John Archer the Younger Ossett Will dated 6th August 1803

WILL: Copy obtained from the Borthwick Institute, York University, Will reference: 1803 June – John Archer the Younger – Ossett Parish of Dewsbury

John Archer the Younger – Ossett – Blacksmith.

WILL: In the Name of God Amen this is the last Will and Testament of me John Archer of Ossett Parish of Dewsbury in the County of York Blacksmith which I now make publish and declare this sixth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three whilst I am of sound mind memory and understanding in manner following, that is to say, First It is my will and mind that all my just and honest debts funeral expenses and the charges of proving this my will be first paid and discharged out of my personal estate by my Executrix hereinafter named And Give to my dear wife all the household goods and furniture which did belong to her before our intermarriage and which is in my dwelling house And from and after my decease I give and Bequeath unto my said wife and her assigns for and during her natural life if she shall so being continue my widow and not marry again All my real estate situate and being in Ossett aforesaid and now in the possession of myself, Judith Clayton and Joseph Illingworth which Premises I have surrendered to the use of my wife and from and immediately after her decease or intermarriage again Then I give devise and bequeath my Copyhold Premises to my son Joseph Archer his heirs and assigns forever But charged and chargeable as is hereinafter mentioned and I give and bequeath unto my said wife during her natural life if she shall so long continue my widow All the rest of my personal estate not hereinbefore disposed of after the payment of all my just debts funeral expenses and the charges of proving this my will And after her decease or intermarriage then I give and bequeath the same unto my said son Joseph Archer (except my silver Pint and large Bible) he paying thereout and out of my said Copyhold Premises after the decease of my said wife or intermarriage whether shall first happen the several legacies or sums of Money hereinafter mentioned that is to say To my son George Archer who is at present in foreign parts within two years after the same become payable if he shall return and if not then unto my Grandaughter Hannah Ellis wife of David Ellis of Ossett aforesaid the sum of £20 and to my Grandchildren, Benjamin, James, Francis, Abraham, Ann Ellis wife of John Ellis aforesaid, Sarah and Elizabeth sons and daughters of my son John Archer deceased the sum of £40 to be equally divided to and amongst them share and share alike unto my son Mark Archer the sum of £20 and to my son Isaac Archer the sum of £20 and to my Daughter Sarah the wife of Peter Harrup the sum of £20 and to my Daughter Susannah the wife of Joseph Phillip the sum of £20 and to my daughter Martha the wife of George Ellis the sum of £20 within twelve months next after the decease of my said wife or intermarriage all of which said several legacies I do charge my said Copyhold Estate and premises and my said Personal Estate with the payment of the aforesaid several legacies or sums of money and for non-payment thereof or of any part thereof I do hereby give to my said sons and daughters or to such of them to whom default in payment shall happen to be made full power and authority to enter into and upon my said Copyhold Premises and Personal Estate or either of them and the same to hold and enjoy until their respective legacies or sums of money and all arrears thereof (if any) and all costs and charges occasioned by non-payment thereof be fully satisfied and paid Provided Always and my will is that in case any of my said sons and daughters shall happen to die without lawful issue before his or her legacy or sum of money shall become due and payable then the legacy of him or her so dying shall go to and be equally divided amongst the survivors of my said sons and daughters and also my will is that in case my said wife shall marry again then it is my will and mind that she shall have the sum of Five pounds a year at two half yearly payments during her natural life payable out of my Copyhold Premises and for non payment thereof I do hereby give my said wife full power and authority to enter into and upon my said Copyhold Premises and the same to hold and enjoy until the same sum and all costs and charges occasioned by non-payment thereof and be fully paid and satisfied And I give to my said son Isaac Archer my silver Pint and large Bible immediately after the decease of any said wife or intermarriage And I do hereby constitute and appoint my said wife Hannah whole and sole executrix of this my said will and testament and I do revoke and make void all former will or wills by me  made and do declare this to be my last will and Testament In witness whereof

I have to this my last will and Testament set my hand and seal this day and year first above written John Archer Senior (seal) signed sealed published and declared by the said John Archer as and for his will and Testament in the presence of us the interliucations being first made Benjn. Lockwood Mark Mitchell Oldroyd

Past 14th April 1804

Transcribed by Chris Widdall from a photocopy of the copy of the will on fiche at the Borthwick Institute York

I also have a photograph of a photocopy of the actual will.