1788 Will of Ann HOOK
Ref:
Proved: Written: 1788 May 1
Transcribed by Pat Hase
In the name of God Amen.
I Ann HOOK of Bitton in the County of Gloucester widow being of perfect Mind and Memory and calling to mind and duly considering the uncertainty of Human Life do make this my last Will and Testament.
First and principally I commit my soul into the Hands of My Blessed Maker trusting in his Mercies and in the merits of My dear Redeemer for the Remission of all my sins. My Body I commit to the Earth to be decently interred at the discretion of My Executrices hereinafter named.
As to my Temporal Estate I bequeath and dispose of it in the following manner. First I give and bequeath unto John BRIGHT and Samuel SMITH coequal between them all that cottage house and garden with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging situate in Westover in the Parish of Bitton during their natural lives. Also their wives to enjoy the same during their natural lives and after their decease to be the sole right and property of my grand daughter Sarah SMITH to her heirs and assigns for ever.
Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann BRIGHT a large brass jack and after her decease to be the sole right and property of my grand daughter Sarah SMITH.
Also I give and bequeath unto my grand daughter Sarah SMITH my Clock and case. Lastly I give and bequeath to my daughters Mary SMITH and Ann BRIGHT all the rest residue and remainder of my Money in the house at my decease all my rents and debts due to me with all my Goods Chattels and Estates whatsoever coequal between then during their actual lives and after their decease to be the sole right and property of my grand daughter Sarah SMITH.
I do hereby nominate and appoint my said daughters Mary SMITH and Ann BRIGHT whole and sole executrices of this my last Will and Testament requiring them to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses and I declare this only to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have here unto set my Hand and Seal this first day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Eight.
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Ann Hook to be her Last Will and Testament in the presence of us
John ( his mark X ) FORD; John ( his mark X ) HOLDEN; Ann ( her X mark ) HOOK
Transcriber's Notes
A copy of this will was found in my grandfather's effects - it is believed that the house mentioned in the will later became the property of my grandfather's great uncle, Samuel LONG of Bitton (1806-1877)