|
This is the will of Edward Jowett, clothier of Bradford, father of Maximilian and Joseph who later emigrated to America. We do not know exactly when Edward was born but he died a young man, leaving four children mentioned in the will - as well as Joseph and Maximilian he names his youngest child Sara who was only one at the time, and his eldest child William who was a mere 10 years old on his father's death. The will also mentions his wife Mary and his father in law William Tayler. It makes no mention of the other children - Grace and Josias - who presumably either died young or were to another Edward Jowett of Bradford (we know Josias had been buried as an infant). Edward was buried at Bradford on February 4th 1614/5.Unfortunately it is a brief will making only general mention of his possesions, the value of which are known to have been over £40.
The Will
of Edward Jowet, 1614. In the name of god amen: the second day
of ffebruary in the yeare of our lord god 1614 in the xijth yeare of the
Reigne of our Sov'rigne Lord James by the grace of god King of England
ffrance and Ireland defender of the faithe etc. and of Scotland the eight
& fortieth whereas nothing is more certaine then death and nothing
more uncertaine then the houre of death Therefore I Edward Jowet of Bradford
within the diocese of Yorke Clothier, though sick, and diseased in bodie
yet sound and p'fect in minde and memory I prayse god therefore do in this
uncertainty of life (knowing that even in health we are subject to death)
make publish and declare this my last will & testament, in manner and
forme following, (that is to say) First and principally I give up &
commend my soule into the hands of allmightie god my creator & redeemer
hoping & assuredly trustinge, to have full & free p'don & remission
of all my sinnes, by the p'cious death, & buriall of Christ Jesus mine
alone Saviour & for Justification, by his righteousnes: my bodie, I
yeild to the earth to be decently buried, at the discretion of my friends.
Willm Smith
Jowet [On the 12th day of July anno dni 1615 Laurence Wilson clerk, dean of Pontefract] certified concerning the probate of the will of Edward Jowet late of Bradford in the diocese of York, deceased, through the witnesses named, being sworn, and administration of the goods of the said deceased was committed to Marie Jowet, relict of the said deceased, sole executrix named in the said will, previously sworn. There was exhibited an inventory above 40 pounds, and the said Mary and others were put under bonds.
Source: This transcript has been taken directly from the registered copy held at the Borthwick Institute in York and as such is almost identical to that published by Hazen in 1940 (New England Historical & Genealogical Register, 1940, vol. 94, pages 99 -107). There are many differences to the transcript published by F C Jewett, but the only significant one is the spelling of the name - F C Jewett invariably uses "Jewett" though there is no doubt that in the actual will it is "Jowet". Why F C Jewett should persist with this obvious (and apparently deliberate) error is not clear. York Registry, Act Book, Pontefract, 1615 Submitted by:David Jowett
|
|
Graphics provided by
 |
