LIGHTBOURN, BENJAMIN
W10:428
1 Jan 1790
In the name of God Amen. I Benjamin Lightbourn of Warwick Parish in the Islands of Bermuda; being <word illegible> in body, but of sound mind and memory, do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following. Viz.:
First. I will that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid and discharged.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my dutiful daughter Frances Darrell, my house and land situate in Sandys Parish, at a certain place called White Hill, bounded northerly on land of Forester Mallory, easterly on land late of Sarah Forester deceased, southerly on the broad path, or King’s High Way, and westerly on land of John Seymour; to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
Thirdly. It is my will that my executors do make all and every reasonable allowance out of my estate for the bringing up and educating my younger children, till they shall arrive to the years of discretion to act for themselves, or choose a guardian or guardians.
Fourthly. It is my will that as soon after my decease as conveniency and circumstance will admit, that my executors do give out of my estate to my two daughters Sarah Lightbourn and Mary Lightbourn, each a Negro girl about twenty pounds price.
Fifthly. I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Margaret Lightbourn, one fourth part of all my personal estate which shall remain after the above legacies are taken out.
Sixthly. I give the residue and remainder of my personal estate equally amongst my children and grand daughter, viz.; Robert Lightbourn, Forester Lightbourn, Benjamin Lightbourn, Samuel Lightbourn, Frances Darrell, Ann Darrell, Sarah Lightbourn, Mary Lightbourn, and my grand daughter Frances Wadson, daughter of George Wadson.
Seventhly. I give and bequeath unto my aforementioned children and grand daughter, viz.; Robert Lightbourn, Forester Lightbourn, Benjamin Lightbourn, Samuel Lightbourn, Frances Darrell, Ann Darrell, Sarah Lightbourn, Mary Lightbourn, and my grand daughter Frances Wadson all my real estate (except my house and land in Sandys Parish before devised to my daughter Frances Darrell) to be equally divided between them, to them, their heirs and assigns forever. Allowing my wife Margaret Lightbourn her dower.
Eighthly. It is my will, that my son Robert Lightbourn have the preference of my new (or now?) dwelling house and land at a fair appraisement. And also that my son Benjamin Lightbourn have the preference of my house and land at Turtle Bay, at a fair appraisement.
Ninthly. If it please God that I should have another child or children born, before I have an opportunity of making another will, or altering this one, it is my will that the said child or children have their equal proportion with my other children and grand child aforementioned, of both my real and personal estate.
Tenthly. It is my will, that if any or either of my aforementioned children and grandchild should die before they possess what I have given them, and leave lawful issue that they shall have and possess what would have belonged to his her or their parent, or parents, had he, she or they have lived. And in case that any or either of my children or grand child should die before they possess what I have herein given them, and leave no lawful issue, that his, her or their part shall be equally divided amongst the survivors of them.
Lastly. I nominate, constitute and appoint my wife Margaret Lightbourn executrix, and my two sons Robert and Forester Lightbourn and my son in law Gabriel Darrell executors to this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety.
Witnesses: John Astwood, Forster Mallory, Samuel Bonnell
Proved: 3 Feb 1792
Source: Bermuda Archives
Transcribed by Bob Lightburn [email protected]
Date transcribed: 16 Oct 1996