The Will of Thomas Lewis

The following is the Will of Thomas Lewis, together with its probate information and an inventory of belongings.

Three children are named in the Will – Ann, James and Susan. This confirms that the sighting of Thomas Lewis in Newchurch East in the 1841 Census is correct, even though his age at that time is quoted incorrectly. It also consolidates the proposition that his wife, Ann nee Madley, and two other children are buried in the graveyard of Earlswood Chapel. It is Elizabeth Cooper’s history that informs us that Thomas Lewis had five children in total. But the reader should note that this refers only to his second marriage. He had a sixth child – Ann – from his first marriage.

His youngest child, John, born in 1822 is not included in the Will. Presumably John was deceased at this time.

The Will

In the name of God Amen.
I Thomas Lewis of the Parish of Newchurch East in the County of Monmouth, Labourer, Revoking all others, do Appoint this to be my Last Will and Testament.
I give and bequeath, all that messuage or dwelling house, Garden, Orchard, and Piece of Arable Land which I now hold under Lease for Lives, from his Grace the Duke of Beaufort Subject to quit rent of Two Pounds per Annum, together with all my goods and chattels (Except as herein after named) to my Daughter Susan Tiplin, and her Heirs for Ever, Provided that there shall be paid out of the said estate, one Pound yearly to my daughter Ann Edwards during her natural life, Likewise my Watch, and at her decease, I desire the Watch may be given to my grandson James Tiplin.
I give one Piece of Land usually called “the new Patch” to my son James, Likewise one Hogshead, and one Bed.
I further desire that my Daughter Susan, aforesaid shall pay all my just debts and Funeral expenses.
I also Appoint my Daughter Susan and her Husband Thomas Tiplin to be joint Executors of this my Last Will and Testament. Witness my hand and Seal this 9th day of May 1851, The Mark X of Thomas Lewis
Signed Sealed and delivered by the said testator at and for his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us
John Cadle
Jas White
John Watkins
Witnesses

26th Day of April 1852.

Thomas Tiplin the Executor and Susan his wife the lawful Daughter of the deceased and the Executrix in this Will named were duly sworn as such and that the Goods Chattels and Credits of the deceased are under the value of Twenty Pounds, and that the Testator died on the fifth day of March 1852. Before Me
William [??????][???????]

 

The Inventory

An Inventory of the Goods and Chattels of the late Thomas Lewis of the Parish of Newchurch East in the County of Monmouth and the Valuation made by us Solomon Williams and James White this 20th day of February 1853.
1 Settee 1/ 0
1 Arm Chair 6
1 Clock (30 hour) 15/ 0
1 Oak Chest 2/ 0
1 Feather Bed 1/ 0/ 0
1 Watch 15/ 0
1 Hogshead 10/ 0
1 Bedstead 2/ 6
_____
3/ 6/ 0
This is a just valuation according to the best of our judgement
Solomon Williams
James White