John Daft of the Isle of Wight 1784 Will

The National Archives PROB 11/1124/152

In the Name of God Amen I John Dafft of Yarmouth Castle in the Isle of Wight in the County of Southampton Master Gunner being of Sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty of this transitory Life do make Publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (to wit)

First I commend my Soul to God to be decently buried by my after named Executor and Executrix

First of all I give and bequeath to my lawful Wife Margaret Daft all my household Furniture Goods and Chattels together with Fifty pounds due to me of James Stephens of Yarmouth Innholder for which I have his promissory Note of Hand as also all the cash in my possession at my decease

I likewise bequeath unto my Son Joseph Daft all my wearing Apparel my Silver Watch Shoe and Stock Buckles with all my Books

I desire that if I should owe any debts at my decease that my Wife may discharge the same as also that she may receive what Money should be due to me at the same time

In Witness whereof I have set my hand and Seal this Fourteenth day of August in the Year of our Lord God One thousand Seven hundred and eighty four

                                                                                                                John Daft

Signed and Sealed in the presence of us

Peter Crone

John Webster

This Will was proved at London the Eighth day of December in the Year of Our Lord One thousand seven hundred eighty four before the Worshipful George Harris Doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipful Peter Calvert Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of Margaret Daft Widow the Relict of the deceased and one of the Executors named in the said Will according to the Tenor thereof to whom Administration was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased having been first Sworn duly to Administer Power reserved of making the like grant to Joseph Daft the son of the said deceased and the other Executor named in the said Will according to the Tenor thereof when he shall apply for the same