Martha STEVENS (c.1675 - 1718). Widow of Richard, Yeoman. Helmdon, Northants.
(One page only).

This is a transcript of the last Will and Testament of the above, taken from the original which is held at the Northamptonshire Record Office. (5th series MW82 F260)

Will made 24.11.1718. Buried 25.11.1718. Will proved 29.1.1718/9.

Items in square brackets e.g. [shilling] are uncertain.

Transcript by D J Bennett in March 2004.
(e-mail djbennett@djbennett.karoo.co.uk Tel: 01482 665506).

In the Name of God Amen
[first few lines unreadable on photocopy] . . . . . my last will and testament in manner and form following [that is to say first I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . commend] my soul unto the hands of Almighty God hoping through the merits death and passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and to inherit everlasting life and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter [mentioned and expressed] as it hath pleased Almighty God to bestow upon me I give and dispose thereof as followeth. First I will that my debts and funeral charges shall be paid and discharged and legacies paid as hereafter mentioned and expressed. Item. I give unto my niece [Sarah Sulish] of Moreton Pinkney the sum of fifteen pounds and half my wearing apparel and one of my gold rings one year after my decease. item. I give unto my niece [ ] Powell of Spilsdon the sum of fifteen pounds and half of my wearing apparel and one of my gold rings to be paid one year after my decease. Item. I give unto my kinsman Joshua Phillips the sum of five pounds to be paid one month after my decease. Item. I give unto my kinsman John Phillips the sum of five pounds to be paid one month after my decease. Item. I give unto my kinsman John Wigson son of John Wigson one [shilling]. Item. I [ ] and appoint my brother Joshua Wigson trustee for John Phillips and Joshua Phillips. All the rest and residues of my goods and chattels whatsoever I give and bequeath unto my kinsman Richard Stevens whom [I make] full and sole Executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24 day of November in the 4th year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King George of Great Britain and [ ].

Signed, sealed and published by the Testator in the presence of us and attested by us in the presence

[rest unreadable]

Notes

1. Martha was buried the day after this Will was made and only a fortnight after her husband Richard.

END