in the name of god amen the 2.4.1731 etc. I Jn Brewster of the parish of Earls Colne in the county of Essex wheelwright being ill in body but of a perfect mind and memory thanks be to god for the same and calling into mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say first I give and recommend my soul into the hands of almighty god my creator trusting in the merits of jesus christ for salvation who is my only saviour and redeemer and for my body I recommend it to the earth from whence it was formed to be buried in a christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased god to bless me in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form imprimis I give and bequeath unto Sarah my loving wife after my decease all that my copyhold messuages and tenements with orchards yards gardens and appurtenances whatsoever to me belonging and holden upon the manor of Earls Colne or Colne Priory to the said Sarah my loving wife during the term of her natural life and after her decease I give and bequeath the said copyhold messuages lands and tenements and their appurtenances to my son Jn Brewster and his heirs and assigns forever and I also bequeath unto Sarah my wife all my stock of household goods and woollen and linen and all other stock without doors and within whatsoever to me belonging to dispose of them as she shall think fit excepting my working tools which I give and bequeath unto my son Jn Brewster and I also further give unto Sarah my wife all my monies and debts owing me to defray my debts if any owing and my funeral charges and I do nominate and appoint Sarah my loving wife sole executrix to this my last will and testament revoking and setting aside all former wills and writings before by me made and declaring this writing to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have set my hand and seal the day and year above written signed sealed and declared to be the last will and testament of the testator he signing it in the presence of us and we in the presence of him Jn Pratt Jn White Isaac Potter Jn Brewster