Wills (ERO D/ACR 19/693 Jn Clarke 1814 1816)

21.4.1814 (Sunday 21 April 1814)

document 93000610

in the name of god amen I Jn Clark of the parish of Earls Colne in the county of Essex gardener being in sound mind memory and understanding (but weak in body) do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) my will and desire is that my copyhold house with appurtenances thereto belonging holden of the manor of Earls Colne shall be sold as soon as conveniently may be after my decease and I do hereby authorise direct and empower my executor hereinafter named to sell and dispose of the same the money or monies arising therefrom after deducting the necessary expenses attending such sale I give and bequeath in manner following (that is to say) one fourth part to my wife Sarah one fourth part to my son Jn one fourth part to my son Wm one eighth part to my daughter Sarah and one eighth part to my daughter Mary to and for their own and separate use absolutely and forever all the rest and residue of my estate stock crop and effects of what nature kind or quality soever the same may be, my will and desire is that the same may be sold within twelve months next after my decease and the money arising therefrom after payment of my just debts funeral expenses and probate of this my last will and testament I give and bequeath in manner following (that is to say) one fourth part to my wife Sarah one fourth part to my son Jn one fourth part to my son Wm one eighth part to my daughter Sarah and one eighth part to my daughter Mary and my will and desire is that the said respective shares shall be paid to each of my said children by my executor hereinafter named within twelve months next after my decease but in case it should so happen that either of my said children should die before the expiration of the said twelve months next after my decease then in that case so happening I give and bequeath his or her share so dying to my said wife to and for her own use absolutely and for ever and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint Isaac Joslin Watson schoolmaster of the parish of Earls Colne executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 21.4.1814 mark Jn Clark signed sealed published and declared by the said testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto Thos Algate Robt Young Isaac Watson