Richard STEVENS, Yeoman. (1673 - 1718). 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 F250)

Will made 3.11.1718. Buried 12.11.1718. Will proved 2.1.1718/9.

Note that another Richard STEVENS was buried at Helmdon on 23.1.1705. (Probably the one baptised ? c.1636, married Jane ? c.1664, father of Elizabeth 1665, Anne 1668, Mary 1670, Richard 1673 and Robert 1679). There was also an even earlier Richard STEVENS buried at Helmdon on 28.8.1661. It is not known how (or if) these people are linked to the Abthorpe Stevens' families and, hence, to the transcriber.

Items in square brackets e.g. [humiliation] 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
This third day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighteen. I Richard Stevens of Helmdon in the County of Northampton, Yeoman, being weak in body, but of sound and perfect memory and understanding, thanks be given to God for the same, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. Imprimis I commit my soul unto Almighty God my Creator, hoping through the merits and [humiliation] of Jesus Christ my redeemer to obtain remission of all my sins; and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named. And as for all my worldly goods it hath pleased God to bless me withal I dispose thereof as follows. Item. I give and bequeath unto my loving brother Robert Stevens of Cuddington in the county of Bucks, Labourer, one shilling. Item. I give and bequeath unto my loving sister Mary the wife of Richard Newman of Long-Combe in the county of Oxon, Yeoman, one shilling. Item. I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Martha Stevens all my stock, crop, goods and chattels whatsoever during the term of her natural life, and (after her decease) my will and meaning is that my said wife Martha shall and may dispose of by her last will one fourth part of my said stock, crops, goods and chattels to any person she shall think fit, and the remaining three fourth parts I give and bequeath (after my said wife Martha's decease) unto my Nephew Richard Stevens, son of Robert Stevens aforesaid. And I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my said wife Martha Sole Executrix of this my last will and testament; hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

Signed, sealed, published and declared Richard Stevens (his mark) [by the] Testator in the presence of [and] witnessed in the said Testator's [presence] by, us

Alice Phillips, Mary [?] Gurnet (her mark), Geo. Jones.

Notes

1. The spelling of the surname is actually STEPHENS throughout the Will, but Parish Records show STEVENS.
2. The Sole Executrix, his wife Martha, was buried only a fortnight after Richard.

END