Joseph Stevens of Wartnaby 1857 Will

Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Archives, Leicestershire Wills and Probate Records 1857

This is the last Will and Testament of me Joseph Stevens of Wartnaby in the County of Leicester Cottager, as follows (that is to say)

First I will and direct that all my just debts and funeral expences and expences of proving this my Will be paid out of my Estate being all personal as soon as conveniently may be after my decease

I give and bequeath to my Daughters Ann, Rebeccah, Martha, Matilda and Sarah and my Sons Eli and William each Five pounds and I give my Chest of Drawers to my daughter Martha

And as to the residue and remainder of my Cattle and household Furniture & effects I give and Bequeath to my two Sons Richard and Joseph (whom I appoint joint Executors) equally share and share alike And it is my humble wish that my Landlord Mr Bingham would kindly consent that my said two sons Richard and Joseph may occupy after my decease my Take in such proportions as he may deem expedient

In witness whereof I Joseph Stevens the Testator of this my last Will and Testament have hereunto set my hand and Seal this twenty fifth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty seven

                                                                                                                Joseph Stevens his Mark

Signed sealed published and declared by the said Joseph Stevens as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto

And I give my chest of Drawers to my Daughter Martha being first interlined

John Wilson

William Stevens

Thirtieth day of May 1857

Let a Probate be made to Richard Stevens of Wartnaby in the County of Leicester Laborer and Joseph Stevens of the same place Laborer the joint Executors named in the Will of the deceased

They having been first duly sworn to the truth and faithful performance of the Will as usual and to the truth of the usual Affidavit for the Inland Revenue Office that the Goods and Chattels and Credits of the Testator without deducting any thing on account of debts due or owing therefrom do not amount in value to the sum of Two hundred Pounds and that the said Testator died on the Eighth day of May One thousand eight hundred and fifty seven