Gerrans Wills

Gerrans & St Anthony in Roseland Wills




Here's a list of wills relating to Gerrans that I extracted from the Kresen Kernow website in December 2013. Some wills are tranbscribed below (including some not in the CRO list) so check here first but otherwise you'll have to order a copy of the will. If you do this please will you transcribe the will and send me a copy so that I can publish it here for others to see.

© Bill O'Reilly 2013


SurnameForenameDateCRO Ref.Title
ANNEARJames1813SO/W/17Will of James Annear of Gerrans
ANNEARJames1826SO/W/15Will of James Annear of Gerrans, farmer
BAKERWilliam (Rev)1844SO/W/36Will of Revd William Baker of Gerrans, clerk
BEAUCHANTElizabeth Courtenay1859CF/1/4088Will and probate of Elizabeth Courtenay Beauchant, wife of George Beauchant of Rosevine, Gerrans
BILLINGWilliam1840SO/W/85Will of William Billing of Gerrans, dissenting minister
BROWNJohn1829WH/1/370Copy will of John Brown, gentleman of St Anthony in Roseland
CREGOEEdwardJan 1770CN/2956/1Copy will of Edward Cregoe, esquire of Gerrans
DASHNicholas1822SO/W/271Will of Nicholas Dash of Gerrans, yeoman
DILLIONJohn1845SO/W/285Will of John Dillon of Gerrans, mariner
EDWARDSCharles1817SO/W/325Will of Charles Edwards of Penryn borough, esquire, formley ofGerrans
FERRELRichard1848SO/W/349Will of Richard Ferrel of Gerrans, farmer
HANNAFORDUry, Mrs2 May 1895X331/69Copy will and codicils, Mrs Ury Hannaford of Prospect House, Portscatho, Gerrans
HARRISHenry1828CF/1/4180Will of Henry Harris, esquire of Rosteage, Gerrans
HARRISHenry1828P70/25/1Extract of will of Henry Harris, esquire, Rosteage regarding grant to the poor of Gerrans
HARRISJane1818SO/W/448Will of Jane Harris of Gerrans, widow
HARRISJohn1846SO/W/457Will of John Harris of Gerrans, yeoman
HAYESEdward Hill1853SO/W/527Will of Edward Hill Hayes of Tregear, Gerrans, esquire
HAYESStephen1854SO/W/498Will of Stephen Hayes of Gerrans, mariner
HICKSJohn1804WH/1/1531Copy will and probate of John Hicks, gentleman of Gerrans
HICKSJohn1843AP/H/8242Will of John Hicks, farmer, of St Anthony in Roseland
HICKSThomas29 Jan 1866DRB/WR/8/429Will of Thomas Hicks, farmer, Gerrans
HILLPeter1835SO/W/525Will of Peter Hill of Gerrans, gentleman
HUGODorothy1830SO/W/554Will of Dorothy Hugo of Curgurrel, Gerrans, widow
INCLEDONJamima1818SO/W/578Will of Jamima Incledon of Gerrans, widow
JAMESDavid1854SO/W/599Will of David James of Porthscatho, Gerrans, coastguard
JOHNSStephen1813SO/W/620Will of Stephen Johns of Gerrans, butcher
KEMPEMargeret2 Nov 1761ARD/UPW/98Will of Margaret Kempe of Gerrans
KNOWLESJohn1636-1637AP/K/163Will of John Knowles of Gerrans
LAWRYJames1850SO/W/686Will of James Lawry of St Anthony in Roseland, yeoman
MARTINJethro1857SO/W/462Will of Jethro Martin of Lanhoose, Gerrans, farmer
MEERIFIELDFrancis1855SO/W/758Will of Francis Merifield of Gerrans, farmer
NICHOLLSNicholas1819SO/W/809Will of Nicholas Nicholls of Gerrans, gentleman
OLIVEYWilliam1818SO/W/827Will of William Olivey of Gerrans, cordwainer
OXENBURYRalph1827SO/W/841Will of Ralph Oxenbury of Gerrans, carpenter
PEARCEGeorge1783-1784S/569Will of George Pearce, gentleman, of St Anthony in Roseland
PEARCEJane1856SO/W/894Will of Jane Pearce of Gerrans, widow
PEARCEJohn1851SO/W/882Will of John Pearce of Gerrans, farmer
PEARCEPhilip1815SO/W/872Will of Philip Pearce of Gerrans, yeoman
PENVERJames1840SO/W/907Will of James Penver of Gerrans, mariner
PETERSWilliam1851SO/W/917Will of William Peters of Gerrans, shipwright
ROSEVEARJohn1 May 1867DRB/WR/11/71Will of John Rosevear, mariner, Gerrans
SPIEKERJoanna Catherine1834-1839AD201/19/5Will and probate, Joanna Catherine Spieker, spinster, of Gerrans
SPRYThomas, Admiral1828-1829S/575 Will and probate of Admiral Thomas Spry, esquire, of Tregolls, St Clement
SPRYThomas, Admiral1829J/1/1716 Extract from will of Admiral Thomas Spry of Tregolls, St Clement
SYMONDSSamuel22 May 1862BRA984/43Release and indemnity, will of Samuel Symonds
THOMASJohn1832SO/W/1160Will of John Thomas of Gerrans, innkeeper
TIDDYAnn1857SO/W/1165Will of Ann Tiddy of Gerrans, widow
TIDDYAnn20 Jul 1857SHM/793Probate of the will of Ann Tiddy, widow of Gerrans
TIDDYNicholas1856SO/W/1164Will of Nicholas Tiddy of Gerrans, carpenter
TIDDYNicholas3 Dec 1856SHM/792Probate of the will of Nicholas Tiddy, carpenter of Gerrans
WILLIAMSElizabeth1837SO/W/1345Will of Elizabeth Williams of Mount View, Gerrans, widow


Will of John Garland CREGOE (1856)
Will of Gilbert CREWES (1614)
The will of Julian JOHNS (1816)
The will of Margaret JOHNS (1850)
Will of Stephen JOHNS (1854)
Will of Nicholas KEMPE (1768)
Will of James LAWRY (1850)
Will of John Henry NICHOLLS (1901)
Will of James ODGERS (1834)

There is an ongoing project for adding Cornish wills to the Cornwall OPC database and you will find links to other transcribed Gerrans wills on the OPC Gerrans page here - http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Par_new/e_g/gerrans.php



The will of John Garland CREGOE (1856)

Thanks to Lyn Nunn for giving permission for me to include this transcription. She commissioned the transcription to be carried out by Dave Wollven of Newport, South Wales (ref PROB11/2228).

The last Will and Testament of John Garland Cregoe residing at Place House in the parish of St Anthony in Roseland in the County of Cornwall Gentleman. I leave and bequeath unto my beloved wife the house I have lately purchased called No One in Pittville Villas in the town of Cheltenham for her life or during her widowhood at her death or on her contracting a second marriage then it is to go to such of my four daughters as may remain unmarried viz Clara, Caroline, Josephine and Harriet and as each contracts marriage the interest in such house is to devolve upon those daughters who may yet remain in an unmarried state to the exclusion of the married ones at the marriage or death of the last remaining daughter then the house to be sold and the proceeds divided between the three youngest daughters Caroline, Josephine and Harriet it being my impression that my eldest beloved child Clara will be provided for proportionally by her maternal grandfather Major William Slade Gully of Trevener in the aforesaid County. Again I bequeath the money if not disposed of by my own marriage settlement which will descend to me by the marriage settlement of my father Matthew Garland Cregoe at his decease viz six hundred pounds or thereabouts to my beloved wife for her life or during her widowhood. And at her decease or on her subsequent marriage then I desire that the said money shall be divided between my three youngest daughters the aforesaid Caroline, Josephine and Harriet premising that my beloved eldest daughter Clara will be provided for by her maternal grandfather proportionably my son Edward Garland I presume will be provided for under his grandfathers Will to whom I beg to recommend him with the hope and request that he will in every particular regard him as the only son of his only son and invest him with his heir right privileges. I also recommend my wife and her little daughters to his paternal care and sympathy in their widowed and orphaned condition. I also bequeath the amount now standing on two Notes of hand for two hundred pounds each given to me for the amount of four hundred pounds advanced as a loan to Mr George Hill of Tiyassack (Tregassick?)in the parish of Gerrans in the aforesaid County to my beloved wife for her use and disposal in adjusting debts and other expences there may be also remain one hundred pounds more or less remaining after the settlement of the late Mrs Fletcher’s affairs and there also a few pounds perhaps about sixty gifts to the children standing in my name in the Devon and Cornwall Bank at Truro these various little sums I also bequeath to my beloved wife Cornelia to pay for repairs on my house at Cheltenham and to buy furniture with liquidate my debts if any discharge funeral expences and the small sums to the children aforesaid she will pay to them at any time she thinks proper. All the rest residue and remainder of my property whatsoever and wheresoever I bequeath to my said wife Cornelia to be for her use unmolested by any other persons. I also appoint my said beloved wife Cornelia Cregoe (nee Gully) my sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament and for carrying out my trusteeship over the property and affairs of my said wife’s Aunt Anne Pownal Fletcher hoping my eldest daughter Clara and my son the aforesaid Edward Garland will not entertain any impression on their minds that I have not done justice to them in the foregoing disposal of my few effects and appointing my cousin Colmore Cregoe Colmore of Moorend, Cheltenham as trustee to carry my intentions above expressed relative to my bequests to my daughters. I deliver this as my last Will and Testament this fourteenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty two. JG Cregoe

In the presence of us signed sealed and delivered LS Boyne; Mary Chesterfield

In the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
In the goods of John Garland Cregoe, Gentleman deceased
Appeared personally Mary Chesterfield on Number One, Pittville Villas, Cheltenham in the County of Gloucester spinster and under oath that she is one of the attesting witnesses to the last Will and Testament of the said John Garland Cregoe formerly of Place House in the parish of Saint Anthony in Roseland in the County of Cornwall but late of Pitville Villas, Cheltenham in the County of Gloucester Gentleman deceased which Will is now hereunto annexed bearing date the fourteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and fifty two and thus subscribed “JG Cregoe” and she further made oath that the said deceased executed his said Will on the day of the date thereof by writing his aforesaid subscription at the foot or end thereof as the same now appears in the presence of her this deponent and of LS Boyne of Saint Mawes in the County of Cornwall, Surgeon the other subscribed witness thereto both of whom were present at the same time and attested such the execution of the said Will by the said deceased by writing their names thereon as they now appear in the presence of him the said deceased and of each other. Mary Chesterfield.

Same day the said Mary Chesterfield was duly sworn to the truth of this Affidavit (by virtue of the annexed Commission). Before me, Samuel Edward Barnard, Commissioner

Proved at London 4th March 1856 before the Judge by the oath of Cornelia Powne Cregoe (in the Will written Cornelia Cregoe) widow the relict the sole executrix to whom admon was granted having been first sworn by Comon duly to adm’r

[Top of Page]







The will of Gilbert CREWES (1614)

Thanks to Ken Nash for sending a transcription of the will of Gilbert Crewes of Gerrans made in 1614. Well worth a read. Ken tells me that this transcription was made by the late Thomas Frost Johns and is published in his book "Crewes of South Cornwall (and their ancestors in Liskeard, Cornwall and Cruwys Morchard, Devon)". Ken has offered to perform look-ups in his copy of this book - see the Other Sources of Information page for contact details. There's also a link from that page to the National Archives where, when I last checked, they had 27 wills, 2 death duty register entries and 42 seaman's records relating to Gerrans and 18 seaman's records relating to Portscatho.

Crewes will

In the name of God Amen.

The 15th. December 1614 and in the reign of our sovereign lord James of England, King, the 12th. year, I, Gilbert Crewes of Gerrance, being of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God therefore, do make my last will and testament in manner and form following:-

First, I give and bequeath my Soul to Almighty God my creator, redeemer and sanctifier; And my body to the earth.

Item. I give to the poor of Gerrance parish twenty shillings and to the poor of Lyskeard town and parish ten shillings.

Item. I give to each godchild I have twelve pence.

Item. I give to my daughter Thomasin so as she take the consent of her mother in her match if she fancy any the sum of thirty pounds to be paid her at her at the time of her marriage. If she do not desire marriage yet she to have her portion of thirty pounds at the years of sixteen if she lives thereunto.

Item. I give and bequeath unto Edward Crewes the elder thirty pounds to be paid him at the age of fourteen, or set out for him in the (mortgaging) of his portion. And also I give and assign over unto him by this my estate, the estate that I have in the Shop at Ventengawas alias Portscatthowe and that he shall have the benefit thereof put (by) after my death.

I give and bequeath my other son Edward Crewes thirty pounds to be paid him when he shall accomplish the age of fourteen.

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Honor thirty pounds so as she match to her mother's liking. And the same to be paid when she shall accomplish the age of sixteen, sooner if she marry.

As for my son Nicholas, I give him no portion of money in that I have already disbursed money and in time if it shall please God there may fall on to him a tenement in Lanhoose which Henry Robertes now dwelleth during his life; but my will is and I bequeath and assign over unto the said Nicholas Crewes one tenement in Carwinak which I have by the grant of Edward Humphry gent. And if the said Nicholas Crewes happen to die, then Edward Crewes the elder to have the estate.

Item. My will is that my wife Jane Crewes shall have the occupation of all my household goods until my son Anthonie Crewes come unto the age of one and twenty years, but she shall give bond to restore the goods or the value again.

And in that my children be very young my will and request is that (they) remain with their mother all. And she to have their portion giving sufficient service to answer the same. And if she will maintain them she shall have the tenement which I hold by copy in Tregassick in ten pounds a year. And she shall have the two closes called Perranvanor (for) six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence a year until my son Anthonie accomplish the age of one and twenty years if he lives thereunto. If she was so to maintain and keep her children with her: Then the goods to be sold: And the lands let at the most. And the children's portion to be made, and they well placed as well as may be with taking assurance of their goods.

I give and bequeath unto my wife Jane Crewes if she refuse the charge of her children two featherbeds, two white cream coverlets, two pairs of sheets, one of dowlas, and two brass crocks, the two great crocks to be ?, two??, two milk pans of the second sort, one great pan I bought of Nicholas Roberte, one other pan I bought of Trenewith, six silver spoons, two tablecloths and a dozen napkins of the second sort, six podengers, six patters.

The residue of my goods and chattels I give and bequeath to Anthony Crewes. And by this my will I nominate and appoint him my sole and whole executor. And do give him my land I bought of John Bodrigowe. And all of the years that (I) have in the tenement which I now dwell in to begin after the decease of Jane Crewes her mother which I had by the grant of Edward Humphry in Tregassick.

Overseers of this my last will and testament: I do heartily thank Sir John Vivian of St.Columb and Richard Gardiner. And do give them for their labours ten shillings apiece.

Sealed with my seal the day and year above written, per me, Gilbertum Crewes.

Signed and sealed in the presence of Robert Sawell the sign of John Michell the sign of Peter Hodge, miller.

[Top of Page]





The will of Julian Johns, Spinster, Gerrans, made 5 June 1816, proved 16 January 1817

With thanks to Clare Bevan for giving me permission to publish her transcription of this will

I Julian Johns of the parish of Gerrans in the County of Cornwall singlewoman being of sound a disposing mind and memory do make this my last will and testament First I commend my soul into the hands of almighty God hoping for salvation through the merits of Jesus Christ my saviour Item I give and bequeath from and after my decease and after payment of my just debts and funeral charges the Interest of the sum of Seven hundred pounds now standing in my name viz. Julian Johns Spinster in the three per cent consols(?) to the sole use and behoof of my Brother John Johns of the parish of Veryan husbandman after his decease to his wife Jenny Johns for and as long as she continues unmarried and in case she should marry then my will is that the Interest of the whole 700£ should be divided betwixt the children of my said Brother share and share alike Item I give to my sister Jane wife of John Isaacs now resident in the County of Stafford the sum of fifteen pounds per cent payable out of the long annuities and now standing in my name which said annuity of 15£ I will shall be for her sole and separate use independent of her husband and in her own disposal as to its future interest and from her decease Item I give my sister Elizabeth wife of John Curgenven of the parish of Veryan carpenter the sum of ten pounds per annum for her life and from and after her decease of the aforesaid long annuities shall become the property of my sister in law Margaret widow of my brother Stephen Johns and now resident in the parish of Gerrans and also the further sum of three pounds ten shillings per annum payable out of the long annuities to the use and behoof of my said sister in law Margaret from and immediately after my decease Item I give my niece Mary Ball daughter of my deceased Sister Mary Ball the sum of fifty pounds three per cent consols to be paid her as soon as convenient out and within the space of six months after my decease Item I give the residue of my Estate in the three per cent consols from and after the decease of the said John Johns and Jenny Johns or Jennifer Johns to be divided equally betwixt the children of my brothers Stephen Johns and John Johns share and share alike Item I give all my wearing apparell between my two sisters Jane Isaacs Elizabeth Curgenven all the rest and residue of my Estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give devise and bequeath unto my Brother John Johns whom I make my sole Executor subject to the control nevertheless of the Rev. Jeremiah Trist of B-----------(?) whom I do appoint trustee over my said Brother and his Effects saving him harmless from all costs and charges whatsoever In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal to this my last will and Testament this 5 day of June 1816 Julian Johns signed sealed and delivered as and for the last will and testament of the said Julian Johns in the presence of Jer. E Trist Susannah Smyth

Proved at London 16 Jan 1817 before the Judge by the oath of John Johns the Brother and sole Executor to whom administration was granted having first been sworn by commission to administer.

Note in the margin: On the 4 Oct 1823 Administration……. of the goods chattels & cubitts of Julian Johns late of the Parish of Gerrans in the County of Cornwall Spinster deceased left ……….. by John Johns the Brother sole Executor ….. named in this said Will was granted to Jenny ……… Jenefer Johns Widow the relict Administration of the goods of the said John Johns having been first sworn by commission duly to administer.

[Top of Page]





The will of Margaret Johns, Widow, of Gerrans, made 18 April 1850, proved 10 November 1853

With thanks to Clare Bevan for giving me permission to publish her transcription of this will

I Margaret Johns of Portscatho in the Parish of Gerrans Roseland in the County of Cornwall Widow do hereby make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say First I commend my Soul to God who gave it and my body to be decently interred at the expense of my Executrix hereafter named and after the payment of all my just debts I give and bequeath unto my five children (or the dependents of them) The whole of the Property I may be possessed of in any way entitled to to be equally divided between them Second And lastly for the due performance thereof I hereby constitute and appoint my daughter Mary Pasco Widow as Executrix to this my last Will and Testament In Witness thereof I hereunto subscribe my mark or signature this eighteenth day of April 1850 The Mark and Sign of X Margaret Johns Signed by the Testator in our presence who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other both present at the same time subscribe our names as witnesses thereto. Hugh Rice, Sarah Rice. Proved at London 10 November 1853 before the Judge by the oath of Mary Pascoe (in the Will written Pasco) Widow the daughter the sole Executrix and to whom Administration was granted having been first sworn by Commission duly to administer.
[Top of Page]





The will of Stephen Johns, Farmer of Gerrans, made 20 May 1854, proved 10 Mar 1856

With thanks to Clare Bevan for giving me permission to publish her transcription of this will

This is the last will and testament of me Stephen Johns of the parish of Gerrans in the County of Cornwall farmer I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Mary Johns all the household furniture plate linen china glass books and other household effects whatsoever of which I shall be possessed at the time of my decease for her own absolute use and benefit I give and bequeath unto my brother Seraphim Johns and my friend William Olivey both of the said parish of Gerrans All moneys and debts and securities for the same of or to which I shall be possessed be entitled to at the time of my decease and also my shares in ……… and all other the personal estate whatsoever (except as hereinafter disposed of) or to which I shall then be possessed or entitled to have and to hold the same respectively unto the said Seraphim Johns and William Olivey their executors administrators and assigns Upon the trusts following (that is to say) upon trust to call in and receive all both which shall be due and owing to me at the time of my decease or become afterwards due and to sell and invest into money all my shares in ………….. and all other my personal estate (except as aforesaid) and out of the proceeds thereof Upon trust in the first place to pay all my just debts and funeral and testamentary expenses and after payment thereof respectively Upon trust to pay thereout unto my sister Jane Kneebone the wife of Nicholas Kneebone the sum of one hundred pounds and to my sister Philippa Sarah the wife of Thomas Sarah the sum of fifty pounds such of the said legacies to be paid to my said sisters for their own sole and separate use and for which their receipt alone shall be sufficient discharge And also to pay thereout to my niece Mary Ann Olivey the wife of William Olivey the younger the sum of one hundred pounds for her own sole and separate use and for which the receipt alone shall be a sufficient discharge And also to pay thereout unto my nephew Stephen Johns son of the said Seraphim Johns the sum of one hundred pounds And also to pay thereout unto my said brother Seraphim Johns the sum of two hundred pounds And after payment of the said several legacies then that the said Seraphim Johns and William Olivey shall stand and be possessed of the residue of the said moneys and the moneys to arise from any such sale and to invest the same in the purchase of stock in some of the quoted stock or funds of Great Britain or upon the securities at …………… and to pay dividends interests and annual income thereof unto my said wife during her natural life by equal half yearly payments But in case my said wife shall marry again then to pay to her the half part of such dividend interest and annual income And as to the other half part thereof to permit the same to fall into and form part of the general residue of my estate and effects And from and immediately after the decease of my said wife Upon trust to stand and be possessed of the same moneys and securities and personal estates In trust for the person or persons who for the time being would be entitled thereto as my next of kin of this according to the statute for the distribution of the personal estate of testators And I hereby declare that the said sum of one hundred pounds hereinbefore given to my nephew Stephen Johns is to be independent of and in addition to the sum of one hundred pounds now due to me on his Note of Hand and for payment of which latter sum I hereby direct my Executors hereinafter named not to call on my said nephew his executors or administrators And I hereby nominate and appoint the said Seraphim Johns and William Olivey to be Executors of this my last will and empower my said executors to compound for any claims or demands to which as my executors they may have upon or against any person or persons whomsoever and also to refer any dispute with any debtor or creditor of my estate to arbitration and to give full and ample receipts releases and discharges to any person or persons which whom I in my lifetime or the said Executors after my decease shall have had any accounts dealings or transactions whatsoever And I hereby declare that my said Executors shall not be answerable for each other or for involuntary debts and that they shall be allowed and may retain all their costs and expenses to be incurred in the execution of the trusts hereby in them ……… and that every person paying money to the said Executors shall be exonerated from all responsibility in respect of the application thereof And lastly I do hereby revoke all former Wills In witness whereof I the said Stephen Johns have hereunto set my hand this Twentieth day of May One thousand eight hundred and fifty four (signed) Stephen Johns signed published and declared by the said Testator Stephen Johns 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 hereunto subscribed our names as witness (signed) ….. Cock (?) solicitor Truro Thos. Edwards his clerk. Proved at London 10 March 1855 before the Judge by the oaths of Seraphim Johns the brother and William Olivey the Executors to whom Administration was granted having been first sworn by Commission duly to administer.

[Top of Page]





The Will of Nicholas KEMPE (1768)

Thanks to Lyn Nunn for giving permission for me to include this transcription. She commissioned the transcription to be carried out by Rob Burns.

In the Name of God Amen
I Nicholas Kempe of Rosteage in the parish of Gerrans in the County of Cornwall Esquire being of sound mind and disposing mind and memory (praised be to God for the same) but calling to mind the certainty of death and the uncertainty of its coming do hereby make and ordain this to be my last will and testament in manner following. And first I bequeath my soul to God who gave it me hoping through the merits of my saviour redeemer Jesus Christ to inherit eternal life and my body to the earth to be decently and privately buryed. Also I give and devise unto my brother Charles KEMPE of Carsillash gent and unto my sister Ursula Kempe Roseteage aforesaid spinster and unto the survivor of them who shall prove my will and take upon him or her or them the trust hereby reposed in him her or them his and her assign and assigns forever all my lands tenements and hereditaments whereof or wherein I am now seized in ffee or whereof or wherein any person Or persons do stand seized in ffee in trust for me or whereof I have any power to dispose and the rents reversions and securities thereof and every part and parcel thereof and I do and I give and bequeath unto my said brother and sister Charles Kempe and Ursula Kempe and to the survivor of them who shall prove my will and take upon him her or them the trust hereby reposed in him her or them his and her executors and admons all my goods chattels and personal estate whatsoever and I do make and ordain them or the survivor of them or each of them who shall prove this my will to be executor or executors of this my last will and testament. In trust nevertheless and to and for the uses interests and purposes hereinafter mentioned and not otherwise that is to say that my said trustees or either of them who shall prove my will or act in the trust hereby reposed in him or them and the survivor of them his and her executors or admons shall and may by selling all or any of my goods chattels and personal estate credits money to pay and discharge my late ffather Arthur Kempe’s debts and also my own debts and funeral charges and in case any goods chattels and personal estate shall not be sufficient to pay off and discharge the same then that my said trustees or either of them who shall prove this my will or act in the trust hereby reposed in him her or them and the survivors of them shall and may by selling so much of my lands tenements and heredits(?)as shall be sufficient and enough to pay off and discharge the same and after my said ffathers and my own debts and funeral charges shall be paid and satisfied then that they my said trustee or trustees shall out of my funds tenements or forthwith raise by sale the sum of nine(?) hundred pounds to be equally divided between my three daughters Mary Dorothy and Ursula or the survivor and survivors of them to whom I give and devise the same and my further will is that after my ffather’s and my own debts and funeral charges and also the nine hundred pounds shall be raised and paid as aforesaid All the remainder of my lands tenements and heredits(?) and the rents reversions and devices(?) thereof and all the remainder of my goods chattels and personal estate which shall be undisposed if for the purposes aforesaid shall be and remain unto my son Samuel Kempe his heirs and assigns to whom I hereby Give and devise the same.

In witness whereof I have set my Hand and seal this sixth day of September in the year of Our lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and ffifty ffour Nic Kempe signed sealed published and declared by the above named Nicholas Kempe to be his last will and testament in our presence and by us signed as witnesses in his Presence
John Rice, Will Carkeet, Thomas Gatley

Whereas since the making of my above will my Daughter Dorothy is married to Mr William Bedford clerk to whom I have given as her portion a bond leaving interest at five Percent payable at my death my will therefore is that My said daughter Dorothy shall not claim or be entitled to any part of the nine hundred pounds given by this my will to be divided between my daughters after my decease and that my trustees named in the above will his or her power given them by this my said will raise the sum of six hundred pounds and no more to be equally divided betwixt my daughters Mary and Ursula after mine and my ffathers debts are paid. This codicil being all writ with my own hand signed with my name and sealed with my seal this 24th day of June One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty ffive Nic Kempe H(£5) H %

Appeared Personally
Stephen Johns of Trewince within the parish of Gerrans in the county Of Cornwall esquire and Martin Davis of the borough of P Nryn in the said county Gentleman and under oath on the holy evangelists that they knew and were well acquainted with Nicholas Kempe late of Rosteage in the parish of Gerrans in the county of Cornwall Esquire decease and with his manner and character of hand writing having often seen him write and subscribe his name and having now seen and carefully observed the paper writing here unto annexed containing the last will and testament and codicil of the said deceased the said codicil being writ under the said will and beginning “ Whereas since Ye making of my above will” and ending “This codicil being all writ with my own hand signed with my name and sealed with my seal this 24th Day of June One thousand seven hundred and sixty ffive” and subscribed “Nic Kempe” do verily believe the whole of the said codicil and the said subscription to be of the proper hand writing of the said deceased

Stepn Johns, Martn Davis on the seventh day of May in the year of Our Lord 1768 the said Stephen Johns and Martin Davis Were sworn to the truth of this afferdavit by virtue of the Commission here unto annexed before me William Bedford
Commissioner
This will was proved at London with a codicil Annexed on the sixteenth day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Eight before the right worshipful George Day Doctor of Law Master Keeper or commifsary of the prerogative court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Ursula Kempe spinster the sister of the deceased and surviving executor named in the said will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased she having been ffirst sworn by commifsion duly to administer


Foot note by the transcriber
______ means the word was undecipherable
(?) means was what it looked like but not 100% positive

P Nryn could be Penryn but there is no letter to be sure after the P

[Top of Page]





The will of James LAWRY (1850)

Thanks to Nina Graham for transcribing this will and for letting me publish her transcription here.

Will of James Lawry late of the parish of St Anthony in Roseland in the county of Cornwall yeoman deceased.

Executor Samuel Lawry of St Anthony In Roseland aforesaid yeoman Proved in the Consistory Court Of the Lord Bishop of Exeter 28th Febry 1850. Effects sworn under £800. [signed] Chas ?? ?????? Regr.

The form “FOR EXECUTORS, AND ADMINISTRATORS WITH WILL ANNEXED” States that James Lawry died “on or about” 8th September 1849 within the Peculiar jurisdiction of the Lord Bishop of Exeter. Samuel Lawry appeared personally and swore the oath on 15th February 1850. The estate was under the value of £800. The form was signed by Clement Winstanly Carlyon, Commissioner and Samuel Lawry.

This is the last Will and Testament of me James Lawry of the Parish of St Anthony in Roseland in the county of Cornwall yeoman. I give and bequeath to my youngest Son Samuel Lawry all my Property Goods and Chattles of every kind whatsoever subject nevertheless to the following conditions and to the payment of the hereinafter mentioned Annuity and Legacies and of all my just and lawful Debts, viz, I give to my dear Wife Ann Lawry the Sum of Fifteen Pounds per year of lawful money of Great Barton to be well and truly paid to her by my said Son Samuel Lawry yearly and every year during the term of her natural life. I give to my second Son James Lawry and also to my third Son Joseph Lawry the sum of one shilling to each of them. I give to my Eldest Daughter Maria Gerrans and also to my Second Daughter , Betsy Lawry, and also to my third Daughter Catherine Sturgess and also to my fourth Daughter Mary Usher the sum of one shilling to each of them. I give to my eldest Son Walter Lawry the sum of two hundred pounds. And further I do hereby make and appoint my said Son Samuel Lawry Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal this 6th day of July One thousand eight hundred and forty nine.

Signed sealed and declared by the said testator James Lawry as and for his last Will and Testament In the presence of us who at his request and in his Presence and in the presence of each other have Subscribed our names as witnesses thereto [signed]Grace W Martyn, Richd Martyn James Lawry [Seal]

[Top of Page]





The will of John Henry NICHOLLS (1901)

Thanks to Gill Mackenzie for transcribing this will and for allowing me to publish her transcription here.

THIS IS THE LAST WILL OF AND TESTAMENT OF ME, JOHN HENRY NICHOLLS, OF PORTSCATHO IN THE PARISH OF GERRANS IN THE COUNTY OF CORNWALL, MASTER MARINER.

I hereby revoke all former and other Wills and Testamentary dispositions by me at any time heretofore made and declare this to be my last Will and Testament. I appoint my three sons, Charles Nicholls, William John Nicholls and Alder Nicholls to be the executors and trustees of this my Will and who, with the survivors and survivors of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor, are hereinafter called my trustees.
I devise all that my Freehold Dwelling house, garden and premises called or known as Dorna Villa, and all those my three Freehold Cottages situated at Portscatho aforesaid unto my trustees upon trust to pay the net income rents and annual produce thereof after payment thereout of all sums incurred in keeping the same in repair and insuring the same unto my wife Elizabeth Ann Nicholls during her life if she shall so long continue my widow and from and immediately after her death or second marriage I devise my said freehold dwelling house and premises called Dorna Villa with the Lumber house or cottage erected thereon unto my trustees upon trust to let the same and to pay the net income rents and annual produce thereof after payment of all expenses in keeping the same in repair and insuring the same unto all my children who shall be living at my wife’s death in equal shares as tenants in common. I devise one of the said three cottages situate at Portscatho aforesaid and now in the occupation of Edward Nicholls to my said son Alder Nicholls in fee simple. I devise one other of the said three cottages situate at Portscatho aforesaid and now in the occupation of John Golly to my said son William John Nicholls in fee simple. I give to my said son William John Nicholls all that my leasehold dwelling house and premises situate at Portscatho aforesaid lately in the occupation of Mrs. Aurelia Nicholls. I give, devise and bequeath and confirm unto my said wife all the real and personal property to which she was entitled at the time of her marriage with me. I also give unto my said wife the sum of fifty pounds to be paid to her within one month after my decease and also all dividends and occurs of money that may become payable from the Hospital and Fishermans Society at my death. I devise unto my said wife all those three Freehold Meadows together with the dwelling house and premises situate at Henrick in the Parish of Gerrans and now in the occupation of John Thomas to hold the same unto my said wife in fee simple. I bequeath unto my said wife all those two dwelling houses and premises at Portscatho aforesaid and now in the occupation of Benjamin Collins and Mark Trevaill to be held by her during her life or so long as she shall remain my widow (if my interest therein shall so long continue) she paying the high rent and maintaining and keeping the said premises in good repair and insuring the same in an amount to be fixed by my trustees and observing and performing the covenants and conditions contained in the lease under which the same premises are held and from and after her death or second marriage I bequeath the said two dwelling houses unto my said son Charles Nicholls. I bequeath unto my said wife all that policy of assurance effected on the life of my said son Charles Nicholls absolutely. I bequeath unto my said wife all my household furniture plate and plated articles prints books and all other of my household effects to be used and enjoyed by her during her life so long as she shall remain my widow and from and immediately after her death or future marriage I bequeath the chattels and effects, the use and enjoyment whereof is hereinbefore bequeathed to my said wife during her life or widowhood, unto my four children equally as tenants – in common and not as joint tenants. I bequeath eleven of my shares of and in the Saint Mawes Steam Packet Company Limited unto my daughter Mary Jane Littlefair. I bequeath unto my said son Charles Nicholls, eleven of my shares in the Saint Mawes Steam Packet Company Limited and four shares in the King Harvey Ferry Company . I bequeath unto my said son William John Nicholls eleven of my shares in the Saint Mawes Steam Packet Company Limited. I bequeath unto my said son Alder Nicholls twelve of my shares in the Saint Mawes Steam Packet Company Limited. I bequeath unto my said wife all those leasehold dwelling house and premises situate at Portscatho aforesaid lately purchased by me of Mrs. Hayes for her life if she shall so long continue my widow if my interest therein shall so long continue subject to the payment of the high rent and the insurance of the said premises in such sum as shall be fixed by my trustees and observing and performing the covenants contained in the lease under which the same is held and from and after her death or second marriage I bequeath the said dwelling house unto my said daughter Mary Jane Littlefair. I bequeath to each of my said sons Charles Nicholls, William John Nicholls and Alder Nicholls the sum of £2. These legacies are in addition to any other legacies or bequests given them by this my Will. I direct that my said executors and trustees shall not call in the sum of five hundred pounds now due to me by the said Alder Nicholls until after the expiration of twelve calendar months from my decease. I bequeath unto my said daughter Mary Jane Littlefair the sum of fifty pounds in trust for such of my grandchildren, the children of my said daughter, as shall be living at the time of my decease on their respectively attaining the age of twenty-one years in equal shares and if there shall be only one such grandchild living at my decease, the whole to be in trust for that one grandchild and I declare that my said daughter may, at her own discretion, raise any part or parts of the expectant share of my said grandchildren under under this my Will and apply the same for his or her advancement or preferment. I bequeath unto my said daughter Mary Jane Littlefair the sum of two hundred pounds. I bequeath unto my son William John Nicholls my boat Mary with her appertenances. I bequeath unto my said son Alder Nicholls my boat Ethel with her appertenances. I bequeath unto my said son William John Nicholls the sum of eighty pounds in trust for such of my grandchildren, the children of the said William John Nicholls as shall be living at the time of my decease on their respectively attaining the age of twenty-one years in equal shares and if there shall be only one grandchild living at the time of my decease, the whole to be in trust for that one grandchild. And I declare that my said son may, at his own discretion, raise any part or parts of the expectant share of any grandchild, children of my said son William John Nicholls under this my Will and apply the same for his or her maintenance, advancement or preferment. I bequeath my two shares in Bolitho Williams Foster Code Freyels and Company Limited unto my trustees upon trust to pay the incomes and dividends arising therefrom unto my said wife during her life or widowhood and from and immediately after her death or widowhood thereupon trust for my sons William John Nicholls, Alder Nicholls and Charles Nicholls and my daughter Mary Jane Littlefair equally as tenants in common. I give devise and bequeath all the rest, residue and remainder of my real and personal property not herebefore disposed of subject to the payment of my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses and debts and the legacies bequeathed by this my Will unto my said four children in equal shares as tenants in common and I declare that any devisee or legatee under this my Will who may be married shall take her devise or bequest for her sole separate use and benefit. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty seventh day of June, 1901.
J. H. NICHOLLS
Signed in the presence of William Jenkins, Solicitor, Falmouth.
Signed in the presence of James Hollocombe, Accountant, Falmouth.

This is a Codicil to the last Will and Testament of Me, John Henry Nicholls of Portscatho in the Parish of Gerrans in the County of Cornwall, Master Mariner, which said Will bears date the twenty-seventh day of June 1901. Whereas by my said Will I appointed my three sons Charles Nicholls, William John Nicholls and Alder Nicholls to be the executors and trustees of my said Will. Now I hereby revoke the said appointment of the said Alder Nicholls as one of the executors and trustees of my said Will and I do hereby declare that my said Will shall be read and construed as if the said Alder Nicholls was not appointed one of the executors and trustees as aforesaid of my said Will and that the said Charles Nicholls and William John Nicholls were the executors and trustees of my said Will and in all other respects I confirm my said Will. In witness whereof I have hereunto all my Hand this eleventh day of July 1901.
CAPTAIN J. H. NICHOLLS
Signed in the presence of N. Jenkins, Solicitor, Falmouth.
Signed in the presence of John Nott, Falmouth.

[Top of Page]





The Will of James ODGERS (1834)

Thanks to Jay Venables and Clare Bevan for letting me publish their transcription of this will.

In the name of God, AMEN.

I, James Odgers of the parish of Gerrans in the county of Cornwall being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Margaret a yearly income or annuity of forty pounds of lawful money of the Realm to be paid out of my estates real and personal free from all or any
taxes, charges or deductions whatever so long as she shall continue unmarried after my death. But in the event of her marrying after my decease then this annuity or yearly amount of forty pounds is to cease. I also bequeath to John
Odgers, son of John Odgers deceased who is now at school at Illogan the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful English money to be paid him when he shall
arrive at the age of twenty four years by my executors heretofore to be named.

I also bequeath and leave to my grandson William Billing Odgers son of James Odgers deceased the sum of five hundred pounds of lawful money to be paid him by my executors hereunder named on his arrival at twenty one years of age. I also leave the said William Billing Odgers a house situated in the village of Portscatho in the parish of Gerrans and now occupied by _____ House to be for his use and behoof. I also leave and bequeath to the said William Billing Odgers the share and proportion of the residue of my Property fairly and equally with my other grandchildren I leave and bequeath to my daughter Honour the wife of William Peters of Portscatho in the parish of Gerrans, all my interest in the third part of a house and premises situated in the village of Flushing in the parish of Mylor in the county of Cornwall and which house and premises are now occupied by Michael Pascoe to be for her the said Honour’s use and behoof.

I leave and bequeath to my wife Margaret all and every such articles of furniture and plate which she brought to my house at the time of her marriage and which belonged to her previous _____ our marriage to be again placed for her use and disposal and I further leave my said wife Margaret a red ____ covered sofa now ____ in my parlour together with one third part of all my other Furniture which may be in house and premises at my decease to be for her use and disposal. I leave and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth wife of William Billing that house situated in Portscatho in the parish of Gerrans near the chapel and now occupied by John Greet to be for her use and disposal also a house adjoining now occupied by Jane Grylls for her use and disposal and also another house in the ____ of Portscatho now occupied by Captn Stephen Hayes and Elizabeth Greet all of which the aforesaid three dwelling houses I devise as before said to my daughter Elizabeth Billing I further leave and bequeath to my son-in-law William Billing that dwelling house in where he resides together with the chapel adjoining the same with all my right and interest in the same to be for his sole use and disposal.

After the devise (?) of the aforementioned legacies as described above I leave all the rest of, residue and remainder of the property whatsoever or wheresoever situated after the decease or marriage of my present wife to my grandsons and granddaughters, the legitimate children of my sons John and James Odgers and my daughters Honour Peters and Margery Guy to be equally shared and divided between them in fair and like proportions in such division of the residue of my grandsons John Odgers and William Billing Odgers notwithstanding the legacies hereinbefore devised to them and in order to carry into effect this my last will and testament I hereby constitute and appoint my beloved wife Margaret executrix of the same till my grandson William Billing Odgers arrives at the age of twenty one years when I appoint him joint executor with my said wife for the disposal of my property according to the specification above made.

In witness of which I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four (LS) Jas Odgers
signed and published in our presence this 24th day of April 1834 Samuel Olive Laurence Jas Boyne

[Top of Page]

© Bill O'Reilly 2013

[Top of Page] [Home] [Census Records] [Parish Records] [Photo Albums] [Other Items] [What's New?]

DHTML JavaScript Menu By Milonic