Estate Duty Office Will of Richard Page, Late of Black Torrington (1830)

© Crown Copyright

Devon Record Office 1078/IRW/P/33

Transcribed by Roy Drew

This is the last Will & Testament of me Richard Page of Black Torrington in the County of Devon, Bullock Jobber and Farmer being of sound and dispersing mind, memory and understanding but weak in body do intend to dispose of my worldly property which it has pleased Almighty God to bless me with in the following manner. First of all I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it. My body to the dust in the hope this then merits of my Saviour to be raised again in a glorified state my body to be buried in a decent manner becoming my station in life for which purpose.
I order first of all my funeral expenses as well as all other expenses attending my sickness to be paid by my Executrix (who shall be hereinafter named) such as for medical attendance, medicine, nurses fees and all other debts constructed by me in consequence of my late illness and this to be paid within three calendar months next after my decease.

I give and bequeath to my Father, Richard Page an annuity of Ten Pounds yearly during his natural life out of my Estate called or commonly known by the name of Down's and after his decease to sink into the remainder residue and remainder of my real and personal estate and to be disposed of as shall be hereinafter mentioned to be paid him quarterly or half yearly as he should think fit to receive it and in case it should not be regularly paid him I order him to distrain for the same.

I give and bequeath to my sisters Mary Page ad Johanna Page fifty pounds of Sterling Money current in Great Britain each to be paid them at the end of One Calendar year next after my decease.

I give and bequeath unto my natural son, John Barley the sum of Ten Pounds to be paid him One Calendar year and after my decease and a further sum of Twenty Pounds of Sterling Money current in Great Britain when he arrives at the age of Twenty One to be paid him then and there by my Executrix in trust who shall be hereinafter mentioned.

I give and bequeath to my friend Elizabeth Shadlate, Spinster the sum of sum of Ten Pounds of Sterling Money current in Great Britain to be paid her One Month after my decease for the purpose of defraying all medical expenses during her late illness for which purpose I order my said Executrix in trust to see it paid or be answerable for the same.

I give and bequeath to James Luxton, Husband of my sister Eliza One Pound of Sterling Money current in Great Britain to be paid him One Calendar year next after my decease.

I give and bequeath to my sister Eliza Luxton all the residue and remainder of my real and personal estate after first paying my Debts, Funeral Expenses and Legacies before mentioned the said annuity to my Father during his life and for the better carrying all my purposes into effect.

I therefore constitute and appoint my said sister Eliza Luxton whole and sole Executrix in trust of this my Last Will. In case there should not be found enough money to pay my Debts, Funeral Expenses and Legacies I therefore authorise her my said Executrix in trust to make sale of all my Estate called Down's except the annuity to my Father. All the residue and remainder of my real estate to be enjoyed by my said Executrix in trust during her life after her decease to be divided equally between the children begotten from the body of my said sister Eliza Luxton share and share alike.

I revoke all other Wills and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. In witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of Three Witnesses. November Twenty Eight, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty Nine. Richard Paige (Signed). Witnesseed by James Salmon Day, James Luxton (his mark) and Dolly Millman (signed).