Wills from the Devon Record Office

Transcriptions of Wills from the Devon Record Office,

described as "Copies made for the Stamp Office",

where the surname Western is mentioned.

Each will is usually composed of three parts. The first is a front page with the deceased person's name, the executors, the approximate value, and the date.

The second page is a pre-printed form with the names, values and dates filled in by hand. Not every will contains this second page.

The remaining pages are the actual handwritten (barely legible) will. I have put the symbol (?) where I'm uncertain of the word.

Thanks to Mary McClean for providing a clearer transcription of Peter Western's will.

Devon Record Office Reference	Creation Date	Subject
1078/IRW/W/562	1815	Peter Western of Chulmleigh, Devon
1078/IRW/W/558	1817	Henry Western of Bondleigh, Devon
1078/IRW/W/566	1817	William Western of Newton Saint Petrock, Devon
1078/IRW/W/561	1818	Mary Western of Hartland, Devon
1078/IRW/W/563	1820	Richard Western of Hartland, Devon
1078/IRW/W/564	1829	Thomas Western of Ashreigney, Devon
1078/IRW/W/557	1831	Ann Western of Morchard Bishop, Devon
1078/IRW/W/560	1838	Jonathan Western of Great Torrington, Devon
1078/IRW/W/565	1839	Thomas Western of Bondleigh, Devon
1078/IRW/W/559	1856	Henry Western of Coleridge, Devon

W/557

_____________________________

For the Stamp Office

Copy of the Will of
Ann Western

Formerly of Bow but late of Morchard Bishop

In the County of Devon, Widow deceased

_____________________________

Executor

John Woolway of Morchard Bishop

Aforesaid Gentleman

_____________________________

Proved in the Consistory Court

Of the Lord Bishop of Exeter

This 17th day of September 1831

Effects Sworn under £1000

William Gray, Acty Afsumed(?)

_____________________________

John Wolloway of the Parish

Of Morchard Bishop in the County

Of Devon Gentleman the Sole Executor

named in the last Will and Testament Of Ann Western formerly

of Bow and late of Morchard Bishop, Widow ------------------------

who died in the month of June last past (?) maketh oath and saith that he hath made diligent search and due enquiry after, and in respect of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, in order to ascertain the full amount and value thereof; and that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the whole of the Goods, Chattles, and Credits, of which the said Deceased died possessed, within the Diocese of Exeter (exclusive of what the Deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to as a Trustee for any other Person or Persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estates for years of the Deceased, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and without deducting any thing on account of the Debts due and owing from the deceased), are under the Value of one thousand pounds.

Sworn on the fourteenth

day of September 1831

John Woolway

before me

[Illegible ?]

_____________________________

This is the last Will and Testament of me Ann Western of Bow in the County of Devon, Widow -

I Give and Bequeath unto my Dear Mother Ann Wolloway The Sum of One Hundred Guineas to be paid unto her within One month after my Death All the Rest Residue and Remains of my Goods Chattles personal Estate of what nature or kind Soever I give and Bequeath the same unto my Dear Brother John Wolloway - And I hereby make Homerato (?) and Appoint him my said Brother John Wolloway whole(?) and Sole Executor of this my Last Will In Witnefs whereof The said Ann Western have hereto set my hand and Seal The Ninth day of January in The year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety four and In the Thirty fourth year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the Third

Signed sealed published and Declared

By the said Ann Western the Testatrix

As and for this Last Will and

Testament In the presence of us who

For her forbearance and At her Request

Have signed our Names as Witnefses

Ann Western (Seal)

Chr Hamelyn(?)

Francis Crofs

A true copy

William Gray, Acty Afsumed

W/558

_____________________________

For the Stamp Office

Copy of the Will of
Henry Western

Late of Bondleigh, Devon

Yeoman Deceased

_____________________________

Executor

Thomas Western of

Bondleigh aforesaid Yeoman

_____________________________

Proved in the Archdeacons

Court of Barnstaple, March 1817

Effects sworn under £200

James Pearse, Jnnd(?) Reg^r

Barnstaple, Devon

_____________________________

Thomas Western of the Parish

Of Bondleigh in the County

Of Devon Yeoman

Executor named in the last Will and Testament Of Henry Western

late of Bondleigh in the said

County and Archdeaconry of Barnstaple who died on the twenty first day of January 1817, maketh oath and saith that he hath made diligent search and due enquiry after, and in respect of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, in order to ascertain the full amount and value thereof; and that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the whole of the Goods, Chattles, and Credits, of which the said Deceased died possessed, within the Diocese of Exeter (exclusive of what the Deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to as a Trustee for any other Person or Persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estates for years of the Deceased, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and without deducting any thing on account of the Debts due and owing from the deceased), are under the Value of two hundred pounds.

Sworn on the seventh

day of March 1817

Tho^s Western

before me

W^m Spurway Surrogate

_____________________________

In the Name of God amen I Henry Western yeoman of the parish of Bondley being sick and weak but of sounds mind memory and understanding do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner & form ---- following first I give and bequeathe unto my beloved wife Eliz Western the sum of one hundred pounds of Good and Lawfull money of Great Britain to be paid to her out of my Effects at the Expiration of three years next after my decease Also I give and Bequeathe until my beloved with Elizabeth Western the meat drink washing and lodging in Cholhouse Farm House to be provided for her by my Executor hereinafter mentioned and if it should So happen that said wife and my Executor hereinafter mentioned Should not agree to live together in the House aforesaid, then I give and bequeathe unto my said wife Elizabeth Western the Lower little House of those three on the Cott belong to Cholhouse in Bondley Commonly Called new House, the Higher Garden belong thereto, the keep of a cow on Colhouse Estate and the little house meadow during her natural Life, or twenty pounds a year in lieu thereof to be paid out of my Effects. Also I give unto my beloved wife Elizabeth Western the best Bed the Chest of Drawers and the Round Table and the silver spoons But my will and meaning is that if my Beloved wife Elizabeth Western should happen to die before the expiration of the three years as aforesaid then in such case I give & Bequeathe the sum of one hundred pounds the Best Bed the Chest of drawers and he Silver Spoons hereinbefore given to my wife Elizabeth Western to my son Henry Western but should my son Henry Western happen to die before the Expiration of the three years next after my decease leaving me Fpue(?) then the said one Hundred Pounds the Best Bed the Chest of Drawers and Silver Spoons hereinbefore to my Wife and Son to return back to my Son Thomas Western and his heirs Also I give and bequeathe unto my son Henry Western the sum of two hundred to be paid at the Expiration of three years next after my decease But should the said Henry Western happen to die before the Expiration of three years next after my decease leaving me no Fsruce(?) then in this case I hereby give the said sum of two hundred pounds to my son Thomas Western and his heirs, all the rest Residue and Remainder of all my Estate and Effects Real and personal whatsoever not herein before given after payment of all my debts, Legacies and Funeral Expenses, I do give and bequeathe unto my Eldest son Thomas whom I appoint whole Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament As witnefs whereof I have set my hand unto Seal this third day of January One thousand eight hundred & Seventeen

Signed sealed published and Declared

As and for this Last Will and

Testament In the presence of us who

Henry Western (Seal)

Subscribed our names as witnefes in

The Testators presence

And at his request

Christopher Born

Richard S....man(?)

Richrd Seldon

This and the proceeding sheet of paper contains a truthful copy of the last will and Testament of Henry Western late of Bondleigh, Devon, Yeoman deceased the same having been carefully examined with the original this twenty ninth day of March One Thousand eight hundred and seventeen

James Pearse Junr, Regr

W/559

_____________________________

Stamp Office Copy

Will of Henry Western

Late of Coleridge Devon Yeoman

_____________________________

Executor

Susannah Western of

Coleridge Devon Widow

_____________________________

Proved on the 17th December 1856

In the Principal Registry of the Lord Bishop of Exeter

Effects under £600

_____________________________

In the Principal Registry of the Lord Bishop of Exeter.

In the Goods of Henry Western deceased.

Appeared Personally Susannah Western

Of the Parish of Coleridge in the County of Devon Widow

The sole Executrix named in the last Will and Testament Of Henry Western ------------------------

Late of Coleridge aforesaid Yeoman deceased who died or about the eleventh day of July 1856 and made oath that Estate and Effects of the said deceased which he any way died possessed of or entitled to within the Diocese of Exeter and for or in respect of which a Probate of the said Will is to be granted, of what the deceased may have been possessed of an entity to us as a Trustee for any other person or persons, and not beneficially, and without deducting any thing on account of the Debts due and owing from the deceased, are under the Value of Six Hundred Pounds, to the best of thte Deponents knowledge, information and belief and lastly made Oath that the said deceased was not possessed or entitled to .... Leasehold Estate or Estate for Years either absolute or determinable on Lives, to the best of her knowledge, information, and belief.

Susannah Western

Sworn on the seventeenth

day of December 1856

before me

[Illegible]

Surrogate

_____________________________

This is the last Will and Testament of me Henry Western of Oak ...(?) in the Parish of Coldridge in the County of Devon Yeoman - I give and bequeath unto my Son William Partridge Western the sum of One hundred Pounds to be paid to him by my Executrix hereinafter named at the expiration of twelve calendar months from my decease - I empower my dear Wife Susannah to corry on my business as a Framer and for that purpose to continue Tenant of the Farm which I shall use as my decease or to hire and use any other Fram and employ my live and dead agricultural stock and such part of my personal Estate as she shall think fir with liberty for her at any time to transfer the business to my said son William Partridge Western or to admit my said Son to a share thereof and lend to him the capital employed or requisite to be employed therein or any part thereof upon such security and such terms as she shall think reasonable - I empower my said Wife to manage my personal estate generally in such manner as shall appear to her to be most advantageous for herself and my three children the said William Partridge Western Elizabeth Western and Thomas Western. I give to my said Wife all of the income of so much of the personal Estate to which I shall be entitled at my decease as shall be in anywise employed or invested (inclusive of the profits of the said Farm) and also the use of the residue of my personal Estate of every description during her life or so longs as she shall continue my Widow. And from and immediately after the decease or second marriage of my said Wife I give and bequeath all my personal Estate of every description unto my three children William Partridge Western Thomas Western and Elizabeth Western to be equally divided between them share and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants - I devise all Lands vested in me as Trustee or Mortgagee in fee unto and to the use of my said Wife whom I appoint Executrix of this my Will and I revoke all other Testamentary Writings In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of March one thousand eight hundred and fifty three - Henry Western

Signed by the said Testator as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses.

--------- Rob Fulford Solicitor North Tawton --- William Hellins his Clerk -----------

Proved on the 17th December 1856 in the Principal Registry of the Lord Bishop of Exeter by Susannah Western, Widow, the sole Executrix

Testator died 11 July 1856

Effects sworn under £600

Ralph Barnes,

Dep Registrar.

W/560

_____________________________

For the Stamp Office. Copy of the Will of
Jonathan Western

Late of Great Torrington in the

County of Devon Painter deceased.

_____________________________

Executrix
Charlotte Western

_____________________________

Proved in the Archdeacons

Court of Barnstaple on the

5th day of Nov^r 1838

Effects under £300

_____________________________

Charlotte Western of Great Torrington in the county of Devon Widow

Executrix of the last Will and Testament of Jonathan Western late of Great Torrington

in the said County and Archdeaconry of Barnstaple, Painter, who died on the 29th Day of September 1838 maketh Oath and saith that she hath made diligent search and due enquiry after and in respect of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, in order to ascertain the full amount and value thereof; and that to the best of her knowledge, information and belief, the whole of the Goods, Chattles, and Credits, of which the said Deceased died possessed, within the Archdeaconry aforesaid (exclusive of what the Deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to as a Trustee for any other Person or Persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estates for years of the Deceased, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and with deducting any thing on account of the Debts due and owing from the Deceased), are under the Value of three hundred pounds.

Charlotte Western

Sworn on the fifth day of November 1838 before me

[illegible ?]

_____________________________

This is the last Will and Testament

Of me Jonathan Western of Great Torrington in the County of Devon Painter.

I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my Dear Wife Charlotte Western All my Estate Real and Personal and all other my Goods Chattels and Effects wherever and whatsover To Hold until my said Wife Charlotte Western her Heirs Executors Administrators and Afsigns forever to and for and their own sole use and benefit And I appoint my said Wife whole and sole Executrix of this last Will and Testament.

In Witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of August 1827.

Is and declared Western as and Testament in the

Jonathan Western

Henry Barrow

Frances Barrow

Exeter Sept 25 1838

I Jonathan Western of Great Torrington Do hereby make this Document as a Codicil to my Will being desirous of leaving my Estate chargeable with he sum of £20 for the benefit of my Dear Parents £5 of which is to be paid annually to them or the survivor should one of them die - I wish also to prevent my Wife selling or otherwise disposing of my Leasehold Property.

Jonathan Western

By Jonathan Western in the presence of

Rev Jno. Morris Elizabeth Caffey

The mark X of Janes Westcott

W/561

____________________________

For the Stamp Office. Copy of the Will of
Mary Western

Late of Hartland, Devon, Widow, Deceased
Executrix

Mary Pennington wife of William Pennington of Hartland, aforesaid Laborer.

Proved in the Archidiaconal Court of Barnstable 10 March 1818

Effects sworn under £100

_____________________________

Mary Pennington wife of William Pennington of Hartland in the County of Devon Labourer sole Executrix of the last Will and Testament of Mary Western widow deceased -----------------

in order to the due Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said Mary Western ---- late of Hartland ---- in the said County and Archdeaconry of Barnstaple, who died on the thirteenth Day of August 1817 , maketh Oath and saith that she made diligent search and due enquiry after and in respect of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, in order to ascertain the full amount and value thereof; and that to the best of her knowledge, information and belief, the whole of the Goods, Chattles, and Credits, of which the said Deceased died possessed, within the Archdeaconry aforesaid (exclusive of what the Deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to as a Trustee for any other Person or Persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estates for years of the Deceased, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and with deducting any thing on account of the Debts due and owing from the Deceased), are under the Value of one hundred pounds. And this Deponent further saith that the Deceased had no Personal Estate and Effects at the time of her decease within any other Jurisdiction to which this Deponent need to Administer.

Sworn on the 10th Day of March 1818 before me, William Walter, Surrogate.

The Mark of + Mary Pennington

_____________________________

I Mary Western Widow of Burssbou(?) in the Parish of Hartland in the County of Devon do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows First I give and bequeath unto my son Jonathan Western Cordwainer of Stratton in the County of Cornwall the sum of Five pounds to be paid unto him within twelve months after my Decease Also with my Daughter Judith the wife of John Earle of Stratton in the County of Cornwall husbandman the like sum of Ten pounds to be paid in like manner within twelve months my death - and lastly I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mary the wife of William Pennington of Hartland in the County of Devon labourer all the residue and remainder of all my real and personal effects Household Goods Clothes and property whatsoever that may be belonging to me after having first only paid my Debts and funeral expenses and I hereby appoint my said Daughter Mary my sole Executrix and Assignee(?) Legale(?) to this my last Will and Testament made published and declared this Third day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight Hundred and Sixteen as witness to which I have herewith affixed my Mark the day and year above written.

The mark of X Mary Western

The above Will was duly published executed and declared having been first only read over to the paid Testator by us the presenting witnefses the day and year above written

Wm Earle

John Colwill

This sheet of papers contains the true copy of the last Will and Testament of Mary Western late of Hartland, Devon, window deceased the same having been carefully composed with the original this fifth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

James Pearse , Junr Regr

W/562

____________________________

For the Stamp Office. Copy of the Will of
Peter Western

Late of Chulmleigh, Devon, Cordwainer, Deceased
Executors

Mary Norman & George Western,

Of High Bickington, Devon.

Proved in the Archidiaconal Court of Barnstable 16 Sept 1815 by George Western one of the executors.

Effects sworn under £100

_____________________________

In the Name of God Amen I Peter Western of Chulmleigh in the County of Devon, Cordwainer, being of sound mind memory and understanding but considering the uncertainty of life and the certainty of Death do make and ordain this to be and contain my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say First I commend my Soul into the hands of the Almighty God hoping for salvation through the merits and mediation of my saviour Jesus Christ and my body I desire to have buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my executors hereafter named and as to my temporal goods and Effects which it hath pleased God to bless me with I Give and Bequeath hereof as follows. Whereas I give unto John and Richard Norman Sons of John and Mary Norman of High Bickington the sum of Five Pounds cash which shall be paid by my Executors in six Months after my Decease and the Remainder of my Effects I give and Bequeath to my Uncle George Webber and William Webber Woolcomber in trust for my Mother Mary Norman and my Brother George ~~Webber~~ Western whom I appoint my whole and sole Executors of this my last will and Testament. In Witness whereof I the said Peter Western have hereunto set my hand and seal on this fifth day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifteen.

The mark of X Peter Western

Signed sealed Published and Declared by the said Peter Western as and for my last will and Testament in the Presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names In the presence and at the Request of the said Peter Western in the presence of each other.

Witnefses

William Webber

Patience Webber

This Sheet of Paper contains a truce Copy of the Last Will and Testament of Peter Western late of Chulmleigh Devon Cordwainer the same having been carefully examined with the original this sixth day of October One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifteen.

James Pearse Junr Regr

W/563

____________________________

For the Stamp Office. Copy of the Will of
Richard Western

Late of Hartland, Devon, Yeoman, Deceased
Executrix

Alice Western,

Of Hartland, aforesaid widow.

Proved in the Archidiaconal Court of Barnstable 13 Nov 1820

Effects sworn under £450

James Pearse, Junr Regr

Barnstaple, Devon

____________________________

Alice Western of Hartland in the County of Devon, Widow, sole Executrix named in the last Will and Testament of Richard Western late of Hartland in the said County and Archdeaconry of Barnstaple, ... ,who died on the 18th Day of February 1819 maketh Oath and saith that she hath made diligent search and due enquiry after and in respect of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, in order to ascertain the full amount and value thereof; and that to the best of her knowledge, information and belief, the whole of the Goods, Chattles, and Credits, of which the said Deceased died possessed, within the Archdeaconry aforesaid (exclusive of what the Deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to as a Trustee for any other Person or Persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estates for years of the Deceased, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and with deducting any thing on account of the Debts due and owing from the Deceased), are under the Value of four hundred and fifty pounds. Deponent further saith that the said Deceased had no Personal Estate and Effects at the time of his decease within any other Jurisdiction to which this Deponent said to Administer.

The mark of X Alice Western

Sworn on the thirteenth day of November 1820 before me

W Charter Surrogate

____________________________

In the Name of God Amen I Richard Western of the parish of Hartland in hte County of Devon yeoman being of sound mind memory and understanding praised be God for the same do make this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say First I give unto my Daughter Mary Western Five pounds when she shall attain the age of twenty one years Also I give unto my son William Western ten Pounds to be paid unto him when he shall attain the age of twenty one years Also I give unto my Daughter Joanna Western the like sum of Five Pounds when she shall attain the age of twenty one years -- Also I give unto my Daughter Alice Western Five Pounds when she shall attain the age of twenty one years - Also I give unto my Son Robert Western Five Pounds when he shall attain the age of twenty one years - Also I give unto my son Thomas Western Five Pound to be paid to him when he shall attain the age of twenty one years all the rest Residue and Remainder of my Goods Chattels and Effects whatsoever after payment of my just Debts Legacies and funeral expenses I give and bequeath the same unto my wife Alice Western and appoint her the sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament I have set my Hand & seal this seventh day ofver (?) one thousand Eight Hundred and Eight.

Richard Western (Seal)

Signed sealed by the Testator Richard Western and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have ascribed our names as WitneFses unto

Richard Cann

The mark of John X Tnoror(?)

This sheet of paper contains a true copy of the last Will and Testament of Richard Western late of Hartland Yeoman deceased the same having been carefully examined with the original this fifth day of February One thousand eight hundred and twenty one.

James Pearse, Junr Regr

W/564

____________________________

For the Stamp Office. Copy of the Will of
Thomas Western

Late of Rings Ash, Devon, Yeoman, Deceased
Executrix

Mary Western,

Of Rings Ash, aforesaid widow.

Effects sworn under £450

Proved in the Archidiaconal Court of Barnstable 3rd January 1829

James Pearse, Junr Regr

Barnstaple, Devon

____________________________

Mary Western of Rings Ash in the County of Devon, Widow, Executrix named in the last Will and Testament of Thomas Western late of Rings Ash in the said County and Archdeaconry of Barnstaple, Yeoman ,who died on the 10th Day of November 1828 maketh Oath and saith that she hath made diligent search and due enquiry after and in respect of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, in order to ascertain the full amount and value thereof; and that to the best of her knowledge, information and belief, the whole of the Goods, Chattles, and Credits, of which the said Deceased died possessed, within the Archdeaconry aforesaid (exclusive of what the Deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to as a Trustee for any other Person or Persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estates for years of the Deceased, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and with deducting any thing on account of the Debts due and owing from the Deceased), are under the Value of one hundred pounds.

Mary Western

Sworn on the third day of January 1829 before me

Geo. Morgan, Surrogate

____________________________

In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Western of Ashreigney in he County of Devon Yeoman being of a sound and disposing mind memory and understanding do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in Manner and form following that is to say I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Priscilla Burd Western thereseveceffs the Dwelling House that is now in the Possession of James Jossing(?) and a Feather Bed and my Clock and Case, I give bequeath until my Daughter Mary Vicary Western the Sum of Ten Pounds in cash to be paid out of my Estate Higher Gribbles Two years after my decease, I Give and bequeath unto my Son John Western the sum of one shilling .... and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my wife Mary Western to be my Whole and Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament and all my goods and Chattels and my Lease hold Estate Higher Gribbles and all my Property known and unknown after paying all my Debts dues and Right demands and legacys herein contained and after the decease of my Executrix my Estate higher Gribbles if my right so long continues shall be the Property of Priscilla Burd Western and Mary Vicary Western my two daughters and if so be that my Executrix do by any means give or yield up any of my Property to my son John Western Priscilla Burd Western my daughter shall be my executrix Immediately in her stead given under my hand and Seal this Twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight Hundred & Twenty Eight ........

Published signed Sealed in the presence of us

John Foster

Peter Bird Thomas Western (seal)

This sheet of paper contains a true copy of the last Will and Testament of the above named Thomas Western deceased the same having been carefully examined and compared with the original this 2nd day of January 1829

James Pearse, Junr Regr

W/565

____________________________

For the Stamp Office. Copy of the Will of
Thomas Western

Late of Bondleigh in the County of Devon, Yeoman, Deceased
Executrix & Executor

Frances Western & Hy Western,

Proved in the Archdeacons

Court of Barnstable on the

fourth day of January 1839

Effects sworn under £600

C L Palmer

jr Registrar

____________________________

Frances Western widow and Henry Western yeoman both of Bondleigh in the County of Devon Executrix and Executor named in the last Will and Testament Of Thomas Western late of Bondleigh in the said County and Archdeaconry of Barnstaple, yeoman, who died on the sixteenth day of July 1838, make oath and say that they made diligent search and due enquiry after, and in respect of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, in order to ascertain the full amount and value thereof; and that to the best of their knowledge, information and belief, the whole of the Goods, Chattles, and Credits, of which the said Deceased died possessed, within the Archdeaconry aforesaid, (exclusive of what the Deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to as a Trustee for any other Person or Persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estates for years of the Deceased, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and without deducting any thing on account of the Debts due and owing from the deceased), are under the Value of Six hundred pounds.

Sworn on the 4th day of January 1839

before me

Frances Western

Henry Western

Henry Cunningham,

Surrogate

____________________________

In the Name of God Amen, I Thomas Western of the parish of Bondleigh in the County of Devon - yeoman begin aged and infirm but of sound and disposing Mind Memory and understanding therefore reflecting on the uncertainty of this life do make declare and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say -

First and principally I recommend my soul unto the hands of my Creator who gave it me and my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named and astouching my wordly Estate and Effects with when it has pleased God to blefs me with after payment and discharge of my just debts and funeral expenses I do hereby give devise and bequeath the same in manner following - that is to say I give to my Son James Western the sum of Five Hundred pounds lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to him on his order Two years after my decease provided his Apprenticeship is then expired, but if not the said Five Hundred pounds shall be paid five years after the expiration of the said Apprenticeship by my Executors hereinafter named --- Also I give to my said son James the three Cottages near Bondleigh Bridge known by the names of Bridge Cottages together with the orchard Plantation and Garden adjoining laying between the River and the Road leading to Whitstone -- Also I give to my said Son James the sum of twelve Pounds a year lawful money as aforesaid during his apprenticeship to be paid yearly by my Executors hereinafter named -- Also I give to Ann Rice my present Servant the sum of Five pounds to be paid by my Executors five years after my decease provided she is living with me at the time of my decease -- And I do hereby make ordain constitute and appoint my wife Frances Western and my Son Henry Western joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament to have hold and enjoy all my Estate and Farm called or commonly known by the name Cholhouse (Excepting the three Cottages plantation &c before give to my son James Western as aforesaid situate in the Parish of Bondleigh and County of Devon aforesaid and now in my pofsefsion togethe with all my Household goods and Chattels Goods Bills and securities owing or appertaining to me at the time of my decease to be held and enjoyed by the said Frances Western and the said Henry Western jointly but if it should so happen that my said Executrix and Executor cannot agree to live together on the said Estate and Farm in that case my said Wife Frances Western is at liberty to remove when she may think proper and my said son Henry Western shall pay her or cause to be paid her the sum of twenty pounds a year in quarterly payments that is to Ladyday Midsummer Michaelmas and Christmas the first payment of which to commence with the first Quarter as aforesaid that may happen after such removal but if it so happen that my said Wife should think proper to marry in that she is no longer to be my Executrix but instead of which shall be paid the sum of Five pounds a year by my said Son Henry Western who shall in that case be my sole Executor and to have hold and enjoy all my Household goods Chattels Bills Bonds and Securities belonging owing or appertaining to me as a aforesaid to his own use and disposal together with all my Estate and Farm as aforesaid called Cholhouse together with all the premises and appertenances thereunto belonging. And if either of my Sons aforesaid Henry Western or James Western should happen to die without children the survivor is hereby wholly entitled to the share of the property which now given to the deceased Lastly my said Wife and Executrix is not hereby empowered to mortgage or in any other way dispose of any share or part of my said Estate or Farm of Cholhouse aforesaid it is hereby given to her during her life only and it is further to be understood that if my said wife should happen to marry as is before expressed she is not to receive the said Twenty pounds a year on her removal but the five pounds only as aforesaid.

In Witnefs whereof the said Thomas Western the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set and subscribed my Hand and Seal this Thirtieth day of May One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Eight -

Wished and declared by the said Thomas Western Will and Testament in the presence of us who have Scribed our names as Witnefses thereto ----

Thomas Rattenbury

Judith (her mark) Battishall

W/566

____________________________

For the Stamp Office. Copy of the Will of
William Western

Late of Newton St Petrock, of Devon, Yeoman, Deceased
Executors

William Western, John Western,

Philip Western, Dorothy Western,

Sarah Western & Jane Western

Proved by William Western

Of Newton St Petrock aforesaid yeoman

one of the said Executors

30th August 1817 in the Arch Deacon's

Court of Barnstable

Effects under 200£

James Pearse, Jnr Reg

____________________________

William Western of Newton St Petrock County of Devon Yeoman one of the Executors named in the last Will and Testament Of William Western late of Newton St Petrock in the said County and Archdeaconry of Barnstaple, who died on the eighteenth day of May 1817, maketh oath and saith that he made diligent search and due enquiry after, and in respect of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, in order to ascertain the full amount and value thereof; and that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the whole of the Goods, Chattles, and Credits, of which the said Deceased died possessed, within the Archdeaconry aforesaid, (exclusive of what the Deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to as a Trustee for any other Person or Persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estates for years of the Deceased, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and without deducting any thing on account of the Debts due and owing from the deceased), are under the Value of One Hundred and Sixty pounds.

____________________________

In the name of God Amen I William Western of the parish of Newton St Petrock in the County of Devon yeoman being sound in mind so make and declare this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills and Testaments by me made. I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping and praying for the pardon of all my sins through the Death merifs(?) and mosidtion(?) of my Blessed Saviour Jefsus Christ, I give and devise my worldly goods in the following manner I give and bequeath to my son William Western the sum of twenty pounds I give and bequeath the sum of twenty pounds to my daughter Mary Brauno(?) the wife of John Brauno(?) I give and bequeath to my brother Thomas Western the sum of one guinea I give and bequeath to Ami(?) Western Fishleigh the illegitimate daughter of Elizabeth Cole the sum of one guinea Lastly I give devise and bequeath all the rest and residue of my personal Estate goods and chattels to my sons William Western John Western Philip Western and to my daughters Dorothy Sarah and Jane Western to equally divide among them share and share alike after the payment of my debts legacies and funeral expenses and I appoint them joint Executors of this my last will and testament In Witnefs whereof I have hereunto placed my hand and seal this sixteenth day of December on thousand eight hundre and Sixteen.

Sign'd Sealred declared and Published

by the Testator as his Last Will and

Testament in the presence of us William Western (Seal)

who at his request and in their

presence have subscribed our names

Edmund Herring

Mary Herring