Turner Wills

159 ? Elin ‘s[sic] Turner’s Will

The three and twentieth day of July Anno Domini 159-. In the name of God Amen. I Elin Turner of Henham in the countie of Essex and London diocese, widow, being sick of body but as yet of good and perfect remembrance, laud, glory and praise be given to God therefore, do make this my last testament containing in it my last will in manner and form following. First and before all other things I bequeath my soul to Almighty God and to him trusting and assuredly believing that by His grace and by the merits of the death and  passion and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ I should have full remission pardon and forgiveness for my sins and resurrection of my body and soul and that I shall see my Saviour in the last day and receive of Him life everlasting. Item I give and bequeath unto Elen Lorde my daughter all my goods and moveables, my funeral charges and all ordinary expenses allowed and all my debts paid, and of this my last will I ordain and make Elen my daughter my sole and only executrix, in presence and witness of those whose names are underneath written. Richard Brode, Samuel Giffine, Thomas Woleward alias Hayward, Thomas Glassclocke and James Harewood scribe.

1596 Richard Turner’s Will 
Richard Turner of Henham being sick and weak in bodie but whole and perfect rememberance thanks be given unto Almighty God therefore do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul unto Almighty God, my creator and redeemer, my body unto the earth whence it came, and also I give unto Joanne my wife the occupying of my houses and lands with all the appurtenances there unto belonging during her life, and then after my wife’s decease I give it wholly unto my son John Turner and his heirs with all there unto belonging forever. So that my son John Turner aforesaid become bound unto my other children as hereafter followeth. To pay certain legacies unto my other children namely unto my son Thomas Turner four pounds of good and lawfull money of England within one twelve month days next after my wife’s decease , and also I give unto my sonne Henry Turne four pounds of good and lawfull money of England to be paid unto my sonne Henry Turner by my sonne John Turner two years next after my wife ‘s decease.

Item I give unto my sonne Richard Turner twenty shillings of good and lawfull money of England to be paid unto my said sonne Richard three years next after my wife’s decease. Item I give unto my two daughters namely Mary Turner and my daughter Margret Turner one acre of wheat unto my said daughters the next year after my decease. Item of this my last will and testament I make and ordain Joanne my wife and my sonne John Turner my whole and only excutors doing as therein is written , being dated the twenty eighth of July in the year of our sovereign Lady and queen Elizabeth by the grace of God of England, France and Ireland the thirty seventh.

In the presence of Josiah — minister of Henham and Richard Stock of Henham with others etc.
Proved on the 8th of September 1596.

1601 Joan Turner’s  Will   (widow of Richard)

To all Xtian people to whom these presents shall come Joane Turner of Henham in the county of Essex, widow, sendeth greeting in our Lord God everlasting.  Know ye that I the said Joane Turner for and in consideration of diverse sumes of lawfull English money laid out for me and for my use by Henry Turner my sonne and also for diverse other good use and consideration have granted, confirmed, affirmed, and left unto the said Henry Turner my said sonne, all those my goods moveable and unmoveable and households goods I have in the house in which I do now dwell, situated in Woodend Green within the parish of Henham above written to have and to hold all and singular the said goods moveable and unmoveable, and household stuff —–what unto the proper use and behoof only of him the said Henry Turner may sonne his heirs and assigns forever. And also for and in consideration I said Joan Turner do likewise give, grant , confirm, assign and set over unto the said Henry Turner my sonne by these presents all and every such sums of money as are now due unto me the said Joan Turner that now be and remaining in the hands of William Pumphret, William Key and Thomas Measant of Henham aforesaid, and of my sonne Thomas Turner of Easton Magna in the said county of Essex, and also all other summes, and (?) of money, which are now due to me the said Joan either by bill, ond, obligation, condition, recognisence, forfeiture or by any other lawful ways and means whatsover by any person or persons within the Realm of England : together with all and singular bills, bonds, obligations and other writings which do any manner of way concern the same sums of money before expressed or any part or parcel of the same to have and to hold the same several sums of money as before mentioned and every part and parcel thereof and so remain and be unto him the said Henry my sonne, his heirs and assigns to their only use and behoofe of him ye said Henry Turner my son his heirs and assigns forever, provided always that the occupation and uses —- goods moveable and unmoveable and household stuff shall be and remain unto the said Joan during the term of my natural life of the sums before mentioned towards the maintainance of the said Joane doing nor making any waste of spoil unto any of the goods before given according to the true meaning of these presents. In witness thereof I have put the said Henry my sonne in full and absolute possession of the same goods and household stuff and every part and parcel of the same together with all and singular the said sums of money before mentioned and have caused this my deed of free gift to be made the 17th of June in the 43rd year of reign of our Lady Elizabeth of England, France and Ireland queen, Defender of the Faith.

1642 Ann Turner’s Will

In the name of God Amen. I Ann Turner of Henham in the countie of Essex widow do in my good remembrance make my last will and testament in manner and form following ; first I bequeath my soule to God an my bodie to the earth in sure hope of a joyfull resurrection to life everlasting. Item I give to my son Francis my Joined bed in my chamber together with the feather bed and the feather boulster, coverlet and blanket thereupon. Item I give my daughter Mary six pence of lawfull money of England. Item I give my daughter Ann six pence of lawfull money of England. Item I give my daughter Martha my flaxen sheet and flaxen towel Item I give my daughter Grace’s two children sixpence apiece of good and lawfull money of England. Item I give my grandchild William Brown my biggest chest. Item I give to my grandchild Margaret Brown my best foen sheets and pillow and pillow beer and one joined stoole. Item all the rest of my goods I give to my son Richard to pay my debts and legacies here by me given and to see my body decently buried and my funeral charges born, and I do make him my sole executor to this my last will and I have declared it to be my last will in the presence of those whose names are here underwritten in witness whereof I the said Ann Turner have here to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the seventeenth day of July in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and two and fourtieth. The mark of Thomas Harwood. The mark of Joane Ambrose. The sign and mark of Ann Turner

Proved at Henham, 28th day of September 1642

1667 Matthew Turner’s Will

In the name of God Amen. ye first day of May the 7th year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France King Defender of the Faith Anno Domini 1667. I Matthew Turner of Henham in the County of Essex husbandman being sick of bodye yet of sound mind and memory praise be unto Almighty God for ye same yet knowing that my time here upon earth is but short & my life uncertain I do therefore hereby make & ordain this my last will and testament revoking all other wills by me formerly made First and principally I give & bequeath my soul into ye hands of Almighty God my maker saviour & redeemer and my body I commit to ye earth from whence it was taken and to be buried at ye discretion of my extors hereafter named. ITEM I give and bequeath unto Grace my well beloved wife ye full and whole sum of twenty shillings a year yearly for and during ye term of her natural life to be paid unto her by my Extor at or within ye now dwelling house of the said Mathew Turner situated in Henham aforesaid being lawfully demanded of them. ITEM I give and bequeath unto Mary Turner ye wife of Jonas Tomas my daughter ye sum of Tenn pounds of lawfull money of England to be paid unto her ye said Mary my daughter by my Extr hereafter named one year next ensuing after my decease being lawfully demanded at or within ye now dwelling house of I Mathew Turner situated in Henham aforesaid. ITEM I give and bequeath unto ye said Mary Tomas my daughter ye full and whole sum of fifteen pounds of lawfull money of England to be paid to her Mary my daughter within two years next after my decease by my Extor hereafter named being lawfully demanded of ye aforesaid. ITEM I give and bequeath unto the same Mary my daughter all that of my boarded bedde and bedding standing in ye folkes chamber with ye furniture to be delivered unto her within one month next after my decease by my Extor hereafter named ITEM I give and bequeath unto Jonas Tomas my Grandchild ye full and whole sum of five pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto him when he shall accomplish ye age of one and twenty years being lawfully demanded of my Extor hereafter named or of his Extor or Administrators. All the rest of my moveable goods and chattels whatsoever I give and bequeath unto John Turner my son towards ye payment of my debts & legacies & funeral charges. And I do hereby make & ordain ye s(ai)d John Turner my son sole Extor of this my last will & testament in witness whereof I ye s(ai)d Mathew Turner have hereunto set my hand and seale ye day and year about written sign Mathew Turner Read sealed & delivered in ye presence of George Haydon Symon Hayward.

This testament was proved in Henham on the 13th day of June A.D. 1667

1677 John Turner’s  Will 
(Matthew’s son)In the name of God Amen.   The 16th December in the year eight and twentieth of the reign of our Sovereign Charles the Second by the grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith, I John Turner of Henham in the county of Essex being not in health but of perfect remembrance, praise be given unto Almighty God for the last ..earth is but short, …hereby invoke publish and declare this to be my last will and testament revoking all other wills by me formerly made. In primis I give and commend my Soul into the hands of Allmighty God my Saviour and Redeemer and my body commit to the Earth from whence it was taken and to be buried at the discretion of my Extor hereafter named whensoever it shall please God to call me and as for my worldly estate that it hath pleased Almighty God to lend me. I do hereby dispose thereof as followeth. ITEM I give and bequeath unto Sarah my well beloved wife all those my customary messuage or tenement situate in Henham aforesaid all  the yards Gardens Barns stable(s?) outhouses and buildings and all other my customary lands with their appurtenances. thereunto belonging lying and being within the parish of Henham aforesaid for and during the term of her natural life & upon those conditions following that is to say that she the said Sarah my wife or her assignees do well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto my mother in law late the wife of Matthew Turner my father the full sum of twenty shillings a year yearly during her life she lawfully demanding it at my now dwelling house situated in Henham aforesaid and also the said Sarah my wife or her assignees do well and sufficiently maintain and keep all the said houses and ? belonging to the said messuage in sufficient repair and also the said Sarah my wife or her assignees shall not fall downe or stubb up any of the wood growing upon the said wood growing upon the same customary lands or ? or upon the said mead and after her decease if I happen to depart this life without issue of her body to be and remain to the property of Jonas Thomson, son of my sister Mary Thomson and of his heirs and assignees forever. ITEM I give and bequeath unto the said Sarah his (my ?) wife the sum of forty pounds of lawfull money of England to be paid unto her by my Extor one half year next after my decease being lawfully demanded. ITEM I give and bequeath unto the said Sarah my wife my joined bed with the furniture standing in the parlour  Trundle (?) my cupboard standing in the long table and the two standing in the and all my linnen the biggest and best kettle and potage pots the c.. firepan one basting ladle two candle sticks one dozen tranchards dripping pan ..pans the gridirons , one pair of .. six pewter dishes two tubbes one barrel ..one shimmer one  the box iron and the long bellows and spits, the harth iron two wooden dishes and spoons and one bowle² and one wooden platter to be delivered unto her by my extor. Within one month next after my decease ITEM I give and bequeath unto Mary Thomson my sister the sum of five pounds of lawful money of England to be paid to her by my Extor within one year next after my decease being lawfully demanded if in case my wife shall have no issue by me within nine months next after my decease. ITEM I give and bequeath unto Richard Jackson my uncle the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England to be paid to him by my extor hereafter ? within one year next after my decease being lawfully demanded if in case my wife shall have no issue by me within nine months next after my decease. ITEM I give and bequeath unto George Hammond my uncle? the sum of fifteen pounds of lawfull money of England to be paid out of my movable goods and chattels upon condition the said George Hammon my ? his extor or assignees do well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto my cozon Jonas Thomson the full sum of five pounds of lawful money of England whereas the said Jonas Thomson shall accomplish his full age of one & twenty years according unto the ? given unto him by the last will and testament of Matthew Turner my father provided that the said Jonas Thomson do give and acquittance for the discharge of the said five pounds given by his Grandfather aforesaid. ITEM I give and bequeath unto Robert Wright my Brother in Law my two ? and the stocke of my two farms & all my moveable goods & cattle not before by me bequeathed upon condition that the said Robert Wright do take the two ? and the stocke of the two farms and household stuff at such price as two men he making choice of one of them shall allow them at within one month next after my decease all ? provided ? the said Robert Wright do pay or otherwise do give sufficient satisfaction unto my extor for the full value thereof as my Extor shall allow and ? of and if in case the said Robert Wright refuse to take it as two men shall, my will and mind is that my Executor shall make use of the’¦. to the best advantage and the money thereof ..all my debts & legacies and funeral expenses of this my last will and testament..disbursement chosen to be for the ? of my cozens Jonas Thomson and Mary Thomson until such times as my cozon Mary Thomson shall accomplish the full age of eighteen years of age & then to be equally parted between them if in case I shall have no child or issue. ITEM I give and bequeath unto Symon Hayward son my best suite of apparrell to be delivered unto him within one month next after my decease by my extor hereafter named and I do hereby make and declare my loveing (?)uncle ( ?)George Hammond of Furneaux and Pelham (?) in the county of Hertford, yeoman sole executor of this my last will and testament. IN WITNESS where of I have here unto set to my hand & seale the day ? first above written John Turner sealed published and declared to be his last will and testament in the presence of the marke of Nicholas Bush Symon Hayward

This was proved at Stortford on the 16th day of July A.D. 1677 by, Nathaniel C/Trooher bachelor at law——

1758 William Turner’s will
(first half only at present)IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN.

I William Turner of Henham in the County of Essex , shopkeeper being at this time of sound perfect and well disposing of mind and memory thanks be to God for the same do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) FIRST I give and devise unto my brother John Turner All and Singular my Copyhold Messuages Lands and tenements and hereditaments whatsoever situated lying and being in the parish of Henham aforesaid and holden of the manor of Henham Hall in Henham aforesaid by copy of Court Roll with their and every of their Appurtenances To hold to him the said John Turner my Brother his heirs and assigns for Ever Upon this express condition nevertheless that. The said John Turner his heirs and assigns do and shall out of such said messuages lands tenements and premises to him and them aforesaid devised well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto Elizabeth my loving wife or her assigns one annuity of yearly sum of three pounds a year yearly and every year of good and lawful money of Great Britain for and during the term of her natural life by two equal half yearly payments in every year namely at Lady day and Michaelmas day free and clear from all Taxes and other outgoings, the fist payment thereof to begin and be at the first of the said feasts or days as shall first and next happen after my decease. And also upon this further condition that the said John Turner my Brother his heirs and assigns shall out of the aforesaid messuages lands and premises to him and to them as aforesaid devised pay or cause to be paid unto my Brother George Turner or his assigns the sum of twenty shillings a year yearly and every year for the ..Of five years to commence from the time of my decease..

1759 Will of Elisabeth Turne
(wife of William above)

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN.

I Elizabeth Turner of Henham in the County of Essex, widow being at this time being of sound perfect and well disposing minde and memory thanks be to God for the same, Do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) First I give and bequeath to my brother Thomas Cole the sum of ten pounds and to his daughter Elizabeth Cole I give and bequeath the sum of five pounds. Also I give and bequeath to my sister in law Sarah Turner the sum of ten pounds and to her two sons, Philemon and George Turner I give and bequeath the sum of five pounds a piece. Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter in law Sarah Turner the sum of twenty pounds. Also I give and bequeath unto my sister Grace Cole if living the sum of five pounds and unto my two nieces (?) Sarah Dennison and Martha Oake I give and bequeath the sum of fifty shillings apiece. All the aforesaid legaties or sum s of money I will to be paid with lawful money of Great Britain within six months next after my decease. All the rest and Residue of my goods chattels Moneys securities for moneys debts owing and personal estate whatsoever and heresoever (after my just debts funeral charges probate of this my will and all other juridical charges are paid and discharged) I give and bequeath unto my brother in law John Turner of Henham aforesaid sawyer whom I make and appoint sole executor of this my will. And I do herby revoke all former wills and declare this to be my last and testament. In witness thereof I the said Elizabeth Turner the testatrix have hereunto set my hand and seal the third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine.

The mark of Elizabeth Turner. Signed sealed published and declared by the said Elizabeth Turner the testatrix as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our name as witnesses in her presence and at her request Elizabeth Sams, Mary Thurgood, John Baker.

This will was proved on the twenty sixth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine before the Reverend John Tindal Clerk Batchelor of Laws surrogate and pending the Episcopal visitation and by the oath of John Turner brother in law of the deceased and sole executor to whom administration of all and singular the goods and chattels and credits of the said deceased was granted and committed being first sworn duly to administer.

1798 John Turner’s Will
(he was the brother of William above)

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN

I John Turner of the parish of Henham in the County of Essex, Sawyer Being at this time of sound mind and well disposing memory thank God, I do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say FIRST I give unto my grandson George Turner my copyhold house in which his father now dwelleth together with all its rights and Appurtenances for ever. Upon this express condition that is to say that he my said grandson shall allow his father to enjoy it during all the term of his natural life. ITEM I give unto my daughter Anne Hammond my copyhold messuage or tenement in which the widow Reynolds now dwelleth, together with all its rights and appurtenances to her heirs & assigns for ever. ITEM I give unto my grandson Philemon Turner my messuage in which I and he now dwelleth together with the Orchard Barns and everything thereunto belonging. ITEM I give unto my said grandson Philemon my three and a half acres of copyhold land but upon this express condition (vizt) that he do and shall pay unto my son George Ten Pounds and to my Daughter Anne Ten Pounds. Also to my Grand Daughter Sarah Reed late of the Parish of Ricklings children Five Pounds and to my Grand Daughter Sarah Hammond of the Parish of Broxted five pounds out of my said land one year after my Decease. ITEM I also give unto my said grandson Philemon all my household furniture whatsoever except that in the room in which I sleep which I give to his eldest daughter Milia ITEM I also give the sixteen guineas due to me by James Bacon of Henham per note on demand unto my Daughter in Law Alice Turner. LASTLY I give unto my son George and Daughter Anne the thirty pounds which I lent upon a mortgage to the late widow Mayor (?) in the parish of Stansted Mountfichet share and share alike. And I hereby candidate & appoint my grandson Philemon Turner my sole executor to this my only last will and testament and utterly revoke all other former wills by me made, and will that my said executor do pay all my just debts & my plain but decent funeral expenses also the probate of this my last will. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the first day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six.

John X Turner

SIGNED sealed published and declared by the said John Turner the testator as and for his only last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request have signed our names as witnesses Alex McWhinnie M Mc Whinnie. The mark of X William Nevill

PROVED on the fifteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight before the Reverend John Lane Clerk surrogate & by the oath of Philemon Turner Grandson of the deceased and sole Executor to whom Administration &c was granted he being first sworn duly to Administer.

1848 Philemon Turner’s Will
(grandson of John of 1798 above)

This is the last will and testament of me Philemon Turner of Henham in the county of Essex, carpenter, that is to say, I give and devise to my eldest son John Turner all that my copyhold messuage or tenement and premises now in the occupation of the said John Turner with whom I now reside To hold to him, his heirs and assigns for ever. Item: I give and devise unto my son Henry Turner all that my copyhold messuage or tenement and premises now in his occupation and also my copyhold cottage and premises in Henham now in the occupation of Jonathan Snow and also my freehold cottage and garden now in the occupation of John Rickett To hold the same unto the said Henry Turner, his heirs and assigns subject and charged with the principal money and interest due on the mortgage of the said premises devised to my said son John Turner And I bequeath all my personal estate and effects to my said son John Turner whom I appoint my executor of this my will. In witness whereof i have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty seven. Witnessed: William Phipps and William Gee(?) Estate under £20. The testator died at Henham on the 2nd Dec. 1848.

Proved on the 20th day of December 1848 before the Reverend Ralph Chutton (?) clerk surrogate by the oath fo John Turner the son and sole executor to whom Administration was granted he being first sworn duly to administer.