Charles Watchorn of Long Clawson 1898 Will

Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Archives DE 462/41

This is the last Will and Testament of me Charles Watchorn of the Parish of Long Clawson in the County of Leicester Accountant

In the first place I wish to say that if my daughter from America is not present at the time of my decease I authorize my HouseKeeper to draw as much money as may be required for my funeral and other expenses out of the Melton Mowbray Savings Bank and to have the entire ordering of every thing connected therewith

I desire that my death be recorded on my Wife’s Gravestone but if there is not room for the inscription thereon let there be a new one

I give to my house keeper Emma Wickens the sum of Thirty pounds and also my silver spoons on condition and not otherwise that she remain in the house at her present rate of wages and see that nothing therein is disturbed until my said daughter arrives

I give to the poor of Long Clawson the sum of Five pounds to be distributed at the discretion of the Parish Council

I give to the Vicar and Churchwardens of Long Clawson for the time being the sum of Five pounds to be devoted to any Church Fund most requiring help

I give and bequeath to my daughter Eliza Scott of Belgrave in the County of Leicester the sum of One hundred pounds and to her four children Walter Scott Elizabeth Foxon Ellen Vernon and Eliza Scott I leave the whole of my household goods and effects (except my music and musical instruments) to be divided amongst them as my daughter Mary Ann Kirk shall see fit

I bequeath to my three grand children John Watchorn of Lacon America Annie Everitt (otherwise Sharpe) of Stathern and Maud Watchorn of Nottingham the sum of Ten pounds each

All the above legacies to paid duty free and as soon as conveniently may be after my decease

And as to the rest and residue of my personal estate I give and bequeath the same (after payment thereout of my just debts) unto my daughter Ann Wife ‘of Tom Kirk of Lacon in the State of Illinois America for her own absolute use and benefit and I hereby appoint my said daughter Mary Ann Kirk and the said Emma Wickens Executrixes of this my Will

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety eight

                                                                                                         Charles Watchorn

Signed by the said Charles Watchorn as and for 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 here subscribed our names as witnesses

Jas S Gardner Clerk in Holy Orders The Vicarage Long Clawson Melton Mowbray

David Cartwright Joiner Long Clawson

On the twenty fifth day of April 1898 Probate of this Will was granted at Leicester to Mary Ann Kirk (Wife of Tom Dale Kirk in the Will written Tom Kirk) the daughter one of the Executrixes