1806 Will - Richard William Reeve

Introduction

Dated: 4 May 1806, Chelmsford, Essex
Probated: Commissary of Bishop of London, 17 Mar 1809

Transcript

In the Name of God Amen. I Richard William Reeve (but commonly called William Reeve) of Chelmsford in the County of Essex Baker being of sound mind memory and understanding do make this my Last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say - First I will that all Debts, Funeral, and Testamentary Charges be fully paid and satisfied out of my Personal Estate, and I do Give and devise unto my well beloved wife Mary Reeve All that my Freehold Messuage or Tenement wherein I now dwell in Chelmsford aforesaid together with the Baking Office thereunto belonging and all and every the rights, members privileges and appurtenances therewith enjoyed and all other my real estate whatsoever and wheresoever To hold to her for and during her natural Life and from ad after her decease I give and devise the same and every part thereof to and amongst all and every my children equally share and share alike To hold to them their Heirs and assigns for ever as Tenants in Common, and with benefit of survivorship if any of them should die in the mean time, but my will is that if any such dying should leave a child or children, his her or their share should go to such their children equally and to their heirs as above mentioned. All the rest and residue of my Personal Estate and effects whatsoever and of what nature or kind soever I also give and bequeath unto my said dear wife trusting she will be able to carry on my business for the better support of herself and my Family - and my will further is that in case any part of such my Personal Estate or Effects should remain after my said wife's decease the same shall be also equally divided amongst my children share and share alike with like benefit of survivorship as above stated, and I do hereby make and ordain my said dear wife Mary Reeve sole Executrix of this my will Witness my Hand and Seal this 4th day of May 1806
William Reeve
Signed Sealed published and }
declared in the presence of us }
John Surry
Elizabeth Thomason
Tho Awkwell Chelmsford

17 March 1809
Mary Reeve widow of the deceased and sole executrix within named was sworn to the truth of this Will and to the due performance thereof and that to the best of her knowledge and belief the amount of the Goods chattels and credits of the deceased do not amount to the sum of three hundred pounds
The testator died in the Parish within mar?.
Before me
John Margary
Sur

Proved on the Seventeenth Day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and nine before the Reverend John Morgan Clerk Surrogate by the Oath of Mary Reeve widow of the deceased and sole executrix to whom Administration &c was granted who being first sworn duly to Administer

Commentary

This is probably William Reeve of Chelmsford. William is described as a grocer and shopkeeper which is consistent with his self-designation as baker. His wife was named Mary and all his kids appear to be under 18 when this will was written.

Source

Essex Archives - D/ABW 118/1/88