Will of Francis Henchman 23rd June 1774
In the Name of God Amen. I Francis Henchman Clerk Rector of Ruan Lanihorne in the County of Cornwall but at this present time an inhabitant of the Close of New Sarum in the County of Wilts hereby revoking and cancelling all former Wills by me made Do appoint this to be my last Will and Testament in form and manner following.
In the first place I give to each of my children the sum of ten guineas.
I give likewise to my Brother the like sum of ten guineas which trifle I beg him to accept as a small but grateful acknowledgement for the many favors I and my family have received from him.
Item to my two servants John Michell and Elizabeth Leane if they shall be living with me at the time of my decease I give the sum of five guineas each I wish it were in my power to make them a better acknowledgement for their long services.
Item to the poor of the Parish of Ruan Lanihorne I give the sum of forty shillings to be distributed at the discretion of my Executrix herein after named and appointed.
All the rest and residue of my Effects whatsoever Estates Real or Personal Monies Securities for Money Credits Goods and Chattels in short whatsoever of any kind I shall own possessed of or may be entitled to in Reversion I give and bequeath to my dear Wife Jane Henchman whom I hereby appoint sole Executrix of this my last Will leaving it entirely and absolutely to her discretion to give and dispose of the same among the children in such proportions as she shall think their several situations in life may require hoping that she will make due allowance for the large sums my Sons have already cost me in giving them a liberal education and consider the helpless condition of women.
In witness whereof I have to these presents (all written with my own hand) set my Hand and Seal this twenty third day of June in the year or Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy four – Francis Henchman
Signed Sealed and Published as his last Will by the Testator in Our presence who have hereunto set our hands in presence of the Testator and of each other. Edwd Pone – Jas Selway – Jno Eve
This Will was proved at London the seventh day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven before the Right Worshipful Sir George Hay Knight Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Procogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Jane Henchman Widow the relict of the deceased and sole executrix named in the said Will to whom admin was granted of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased having been first sworn by Commission duly to administrator.
Transcribed by Carol Hughes