Will of John Maplesden

of Rochester, Kent

I give and devise unto my sons and daughters namely Edward Maplesden John Atkinson Maplesden Richard Maplesden George Maplesden Susanna Maplesden Margaret Maplesden and Hester Boorman Widow but formerly Hester Maplesden Spinster All that my two freehold messuages or tenements with the Gardens thereto belonging situate in the Parish of Sittingbourn aforesaid and now or late in the tenure or occupation of Thomas Chapman and William Chapman or their undertenants
Also all and every my household goods plate linen china ready money books book debts and other debts due and owing to me at the time of my decease securities for money and all other my Personal Estate chattels rights credits and effects whatsoever and wheresoever which I shall or may be possessed of or of which any person or persons may be interested in In trust for me or which I may be in any wise entitled to and have power to dispose of at the time of my decease

and for more equally dividing my said property and effects I do hereby direct that the said freehold messuages or tenements with the Gardens thereto belonging shall be sold together with my linen china household goods and plate and the money arising from such sale to be divided by my said sons and daughters whose names are before mentioned in this my Will

But in case my said son John Atkinson Maplesden should not be in England at the time of my decease (which probably he may not) then I empower and request my Executors hereunder named to receive and take that part or share that shall become his and to pay over the same to him (without interest for holding the same) at the earliest time they can provided they are satisfied that he is living and have a positive knowledge of his residence

But should they not have such information as aforesaid I do request that they my said Executors hereafter named do hold the same part or share (but not subject to interest on the same) until they shall hear from him
But should they have satisfactory proof either by Law or otherwise of his death and leaving no Wife or lawful issue (otherwise the said part or share to be paid by my Executors to such Widow and her said lawful children of my said son John Atkinson as may be living share and share alike) Then I do direct that the said part or share so left to him as aforesaid to be divided between my remaining sons and daughters namely Edward Maplesden Richard Maplesden George Maplesden Susanna Maplesden Margaret Maplesden and Hester Boorman Widow formerly Hester Maplesden Spinster their or either of their heirs and assigns

And I do hereby nominate and appoint my said sons Edward Maplesden and Richard Maplesden Executors of this my Will (and do request that my said freehold property be sold and disposed of as aforesaid at the earliest possible convenience and that my just debts and funeral expences be paid therefrom and all necessary expences that my Executors may be put to in discharge of this my Will and the residue or remainder to be equally divided between my children as aforesaid and to be accomplished if possible within six calendar months after my decease or as soon after as convenient

And hereby revoking and making void all other Wills and Codicils by me at any time heretofore made I do declare this only to be and contain my last Will and Testament
In Witness whereof I have at the bottom of the two preceeding sheets of this my Will (the whole whereof is contained in three sheets of paper) and also to this third and last sheet thereof at the foot or end of this my Will set my hand this twenty third day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight _ John Maplesden
(Attestation Clause)
G H King, Principal Sergeant at Mace for the City of Rochester - F T Atwood, New Road in the parish of (St) Margaret

Proved at London 8 April 1856 to Richard Maplesden power reserved to other Executor

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