Will of John Merson, Gentleman of Bampton, Devon

Proved 5 April 1842

© Crown Copyright

Source: The National Archives. PROB 11/1776 49

Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury: 6 Quire numbers: 251-300

(Transcribed by Russ Davies. Checked by Tom McManamon and Barbara Keene of Tiverton)

This is the last Will and Testament of me John Merson of Bampton in the County of Devon, Gentleman. I give and bequeath unto each of my sisters Sarah the wife of Francis Merson of Skilgate in the County of Somerset Gentleman, Willmot the wife of John Harvey of Blackford within the parish of Wedmore in the said County of Somerset Gentleman and Joan Merson of Bampton aforesaid spinster the legacy or sum of three hundred pounds sterling to be paid to each of my said sisters by my executors hereinafter named within twelve months after my decease. Also I give and bequeath unto Louisa the wife of George Parker the legacy or sum of fifty pounds sterling to be paid to her by my executors hereinafter named within twelve calendar months after my decease to and for her own sole and separate use and benefit apart from and independent of her said husband and not to be subject to his debts control forfeitures and engagements and I hereby declare that her receipt alone notwithstanding her coverture shall be agreed and valid discharge to my executors paying the same. All my property both real and personal and of what nature or kind soever and wheresoever situate and whether in possession conversion remainder or expectancy over which I have any power of disposition by will or otherwise subject nevertheless to the payment of my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses and the aforesaid legacies herein before bequeathed by me to my said sisters and Louisa Parker I give devise and bequeath direct and appoint unto my brothers William Merson, Francis Merson and Daniel Merson their heirs executors administrators and assigns equally to be divided between and amongst them share and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and I appoint my said brothers William, Francis and Daniel Executors of this my last will and testament subscribed and set my hand and seal this twenty eighth day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine. John Merson.

Signed sealed published and declared by the said John Merson the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who were together present at the same time and who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Fred Napier Bower Solr. Wivesliscombe         C.H. Brown

Proved at London 5th April 1842 before the Judge by the oaths of Francis Merson and Daniel Merson the brothers the surviving executors to whom Administration was granted having been first sworn by Commission duly to administer.