in the name of god amen I Jn Raven of Earls Colne in the county of Essex cidermaker being sick in body but of sound mind memory and understanding my humble thanks to almighty god for the same hereby revoking and making null and void all former wills and testaments by me at any time heretofore made do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following first I give and devise the messuage or tenement with all every the appurtenances known by the sign of the Dogg in St Bottolphs parish in the town of Colchester in the said county of Essex and now in the occupation of Thos Talbott or his assigns to my trusty friend Jas Thorn of St Bottolphs aforesaid to hold to him during the term of his natural life only and after his decease I give and devise the same unto Eliz the wife of the said Jas Thorn to hold to her during the term of her natural life only and after her decease I give and devise the same to such child or children of the body of the same Jas and Eliz and for such estate and estates and in proportion and proportions and in such sort manner and form as my said trusty friend Jas Thorn shall by any deed or deeds or by his last will executed in the presence of three credible witnesses declare limit and appoint and for default of such appointment I give and devise the same to all and every the children of the body of the said Jas Thorn and Eliz his wife as are now living and to their heirs part and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants I having surrendered my copyhold estate to the use of my last will I give and devise my two copyhold messuages or tenements with all and every their appurtenances situate in Earls Colne in the said county of Essex in the several occupations of Jervase Willistone and Peter Raven (may be Peter Raven) or their assigns unto my kinsman Wm Catley to hold to him the said Wm Catley and his heirs for ever also I give and bequeath to Peter Raven (may be Peter Raven) 39s to be paid by executor within 12mths next after my decease also I give and bequeath to my kinswoman Ann Raven (may be Ann Raven) 40s to be paid by my executor within 12mths next after my decease also I give and bequeath to Thos Hughes son of Thos Hughes of Goldhanger in the said county husbandman the sum of 10li 5li thereof to be paid at his arrival at 14yrs by my executor to a master to take him as an apprentice and the other 5li to be laid out by my executor for apparel during his apprenticeship also I give and bequeath to Cath Smith the wife of Sam Smith of Colne Engain in the said county farmer the sum of 36li to be paid by my executor for her sole and separate use and in manner and portion as my said executor shall think proper and convenient he taking her receipts only for such payments all the rest and residue and remainder of my goods and chattels and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give and bequeath to my said kinsman Wm Catley and do nominate constitute and appoint the said Wm Catley sole executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I the said Jn Raven do hereunto set my hand and seal this 8.11.1758 Jn Raven signed sealed published and declared by the said Raven the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request subscribe our names as witnesses hereto in the testator's presence Wm Tunbridge Robt Hume jun Egerton Crosse