EXTRACTS OF THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ABRAHAM CLEGG

DIED 1738

Yeoman of Bottomley in Walsden

Will dated 10th April 1734

Proven 14th January 1739

I Abraham CLEGG of Bothomley in Hundersfield, yeoman, make this my last will.

Whereas I have by one surrender of equal date herewith assured all that one messuage with one cottage, one barn, one turfcoat, with other buildings, lands etc., situate at Bothomley in Walsden, and now in the occupation of me Abraham CLEGG, to such uses as shall be expressed in the last will of me the said Abraham CLEGG.

It is my will that if my sister MARY CLEGG over lives me, I give unto her the yearly rent from the premises during her life.

Then I give;

Unto JOHN SMITH my eldest sister’s son £27

Unto MARY HOWARTH my eldest sister’s daughter £27

Unto JOHN MIDGLEY my second sister’s son £10

Unto SAMUEL MIDGLEY another of my second sister’s sons £27

Unto WILLIAM MIDGLEY another of my second sister’s sons £27

Unto SUSAN HAWKARD the wife of JAMES HAWKARD £27

Unto SUSAN CRABTREE daughter of THOMAS CRABTREE £5

Unto SAMUEL CRABTREE son of THOMAS CRABTREE £5

Unto PATIENCE CROSSLEY wife of JOHN CROSSLEY £15

And it is my will that the aforesaid JOHN SMITH shall have if he pleases to accept after both our deceases, to enter upon the estate both copyhold and freehold and to pay as before mentioned to each particular, the several sum or sums of money within twelve months after our decease.

And if JOHN SMITH refuse to accept the offer then it is my will and I appoint JOHN GREENWOOD of Deanroyde in Hundersfield, yeoman, and SAMUEL FIELDEN of Bothomley, yeoman, to be thereof feoffies in trust to make sale of the said lands and premises, and the money arising by such sale apply for such uses severally before mentioned.

And the remainder of my personal estate if any be to be equally divided amongst the persons before named.

Executors:

My kinsman SAMUEL MIDGLEY of Bentstool in Hundersfield and DENNIS HOWARTH of Bothomley

Witnessed by SIMEON LORD, WILLIAM GREENWOOD, JOHN GREENWOOD

Inventory by JOHN GREENWOOD, ABRAHAM FIELDEN, SAMUEL FIEDEN, JAMES ROADES 15th  September 1738

Proven by executors named 14th  January 1739

Note: DENNIS HOWARTH one of the executors was a Quaker.