Will of James Chappell, of Appledore, Devon

written 1781, proved 1782

From original document* in Devon Record Office ref: W 2422 M/F18
(* this document not original, but a copy made in 1820)

Transcribed by David Carter 2017

= = = = = = = = =

Will:
In the name of God Amen.
I James Chappell of Appledore within the parish of Northam in the county of Devon gentleman being in a weak state of body but of sound mind and memory (for which I bless God) do make published and declare this my last will and testament.
First and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping only in the merits of my blessed saviour Jesus Christ for pardon of all my sins and to be received into everlasting bliss. My body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors near my friends if convenient.
And as for my worldly estate & effects (after payment of my just debts legacies and funeral expenses) I dispose thereof as follows:
I give unto the poor of the parish of Northam aforesaid the sum of ten pounds to be distributed at any time within twelve months next after my decease in such manner and proportion as my said executrix shall think proper.
I give and bequeath unto my dear daughter Cecilia her executors administrators and assigns all that messuage or dwelling house with the garden and appurtenances thereunto belonging lying in Appledore aforesaid now in the possession of Mr Thomas Salmon or the sum of three hundred pounds in lieu thereof at the option of my said son James Chappell the possession to be delivered up or the three hundred pounds paid to her when my said daughter shall arrive at the age of twenty one years or be married which shall first happen provided my executrix shall be then dead, but if my executrix shall be then living then the possession to be given up or the money paid within three months after my said executrix's death. The reason of my not providing better for my said daughter Cecilia is, her mother having given her the right and interest which she has in Botathan Estate.
I give and bequeath unto my dear daughter Elizabeth Chappell the sum of twelve hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain and also the messuage or dwelling house garden and appurtenances lying in Appledore aforesaid wherein Mrs Hogg now lives during all my right and interest therein, the said money to be paid and the possession of the said house delivered when my said daughter shall arrive at the age of twenty one years or be married which shall first happen. If my said executrix shall then happen to be dead, but if my said executrix shall then be living then the money to be paid and the possession delivered up within three months next after her death, but if my said daughter Elizabeth shall happen to die before she attains the age of twenty one years or is married then I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof equally to and amongst my said daughter Cecilia and son James Chappell.
I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Margery Chappell and to her sole and separate disposal all my household goods and furniture whatsoever, and also all my plate and jewels of what nature or kind so ever.
I also give and bequeath unto my said wife during the term of her natural life the rents interest and profits of all and singular my messuages lands tenements hereditaments and real estate and of my vessels ready money and all other my personal estate of what nature kind or quality so ever. And from and immediately after her decease I give devise and bequeath as well all my messuages lands tenements hereditaments and real estate as also all my vessels ready money and all other my personal estate whatsoever not hereinbefore given and disposed of unto my said dear son James Chappell his heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever.
Lastly I commend to my dear children a union of hearts with their duty to God and their dear mother which will entitle them to a much greater legacy, a heavenly reward that fadeth not.
I hereby revoke and make void all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this only to be my last will and testament.
And I do hereby nominate constitute ordain & appoint my said wife Margery Chappell executrix of this my last will and testament.
And I do request the assistance of my good friends the Reverend Mr Joshua Bawden, Thomas Hogg and Thomas Chappell to see this my will carried into execution, and do appoint them after my said wife's death guardians of my said children during their several minorities. And it is my will that my said children shall be maintained suitable to their degree out of the general income of my estate until their respective legacy shall be paid them.
In witness whereof I the said James Chappell the testator have to this my last will and testament written with my own hand set my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of January one thousand seven hundred and eighty one.
James Chappell (seal)

Signed sealed published and declared by the said James Chappell the testator to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto in his presence at his request, and in the presence of each other.
William Marychurch
Ester Williams
Ann Joce

Probate:
8th July 1782. This will of the above named James Chappell late of Northam deceased (having some goods chattels or credits in several jurisdictions within the Diocese of Exeter and not without) was proved before the worshipful James Carrington vicar general and the Admon was by him committed to the executrix therein named, first duly sworn, saving every ones right.
Jno Chissem registrar.
No inventory exhibited.

= = = = = = = = =

Parish register entries referring to the people mentioned in this will:

Northam – Parish Baptism
1739 Oct 24 – James, son of Christopher & Luce Chapple

Northill, Cornwall – Parish Marriage
1762 Apr 06 – James Chappell gent, to Margery Isaacke

Northam Parish Baptisms:
1767 May 28 – Cecilia, dau of James & Margery Chappell, privately baptised 9th April and received into Church
1769 Jan 11 - James, son of James & Margery Chappell (6th April in Register 9)
1771 May 07 - Lucy, dau of James & Margery Chappell (13th June in Register 9) [she was buried 5th March 1772]
1774 Oct 11 - Elizabeth, dau of Mr James & Mrs Margery Chappell, received into church 10th Feb 1775

Northam Parish Burials:
1782 Apr 03 – Mr James Chappell, attorney at law, died 28th March
1787 May 16 – Mrs Margery Chappell, aged 57, widow of Mr James

= = = = = = = = =