Maitland Family - Wright Wills
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Issue Date: 19/08/2008
Maitland Family - Wright Wills
Susannah Sinclair to Sarah Sinclair et al - 1797
Robert Bowes to Sinclair con land - 1821
PROB 11 1428 F485
This is the last will and testament of me Rebecca Wright late of Black River in
the Island of Jamaica but now of the city of Bristol in England.
I give devise and bequeath unto my nephews Alexander Cohen and Henry Cohen and
my nieces Catherine Cohen and Caroline Cohen all those my negro slaves
following that is to say Damsel and her two daughters Kinsey and Desdemona?
Lavinia and her two daughters Silvia and Suzy Fanny Nancy Sussy Mary and
Charles to hold said slaves and ---- and nony? Them together with the future
issue offspring and ---- of ------ of the said slaves unto them the said
Alexander Cohen Henry Cohen Catherine Cohen and Caroline Cohen their heirs
executors admons and assigns for ever to equally to be divided between them
share and share alike
I give devise and bequeath unto my son Francis Maitland all that piece or
parcel of land situate lying and being in the parish of Westmoreland in the
said Island of Jamaica commonly called or known by the name of Thero?e
containing by estimation two hundred and fourteen acres be the same more or
less and all houses outhouses edifices erections and buildings thereupon
???????? and Built with all and singular the Rights ---bers h--diss
(abrieviations) and appoint whatsoever to the said piece or parcel of land and
premises belonging or in any wise appertaining to hold the same and every part
and parcel thereof unto the said Francis Maitland his heirs and assigns for
ever
I give devise and bequeath unto my said son Francis Maitland all that my
capital messuage tenement or dwelling house situate on Black River Bay near the
Black River and all that piece and parcel of land adjoining Lowerworks Estate
on or near Black River aforesaid commonly called the Ground(?) with all houses
outhouses edifices erections and buildings thereon n??? and built and also that
my other messuage or tenement situate and lying behind the Church
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on Black River Bay aforesaid and also all those my other messuages or tenements
situate in or near the Logwoods on Black River Bay aforesaid together with all
and singular the Rights members?? S??dits and appoints whatsoever to the said
capital messuage tenement or dwelling house piece or parcel of land messuages
or tenements and premises or either of them belonging or in any way
appertaining to hold the same and every part and parcel thereof unto the said
Francis Maitland his heirs and assigns absolutely and for ever
I also give devise and bequeath unto my said son Francis Maitland all those
negro and other slaves following that is to say Cibba, Flora, Amelia, Margaret,
Grace, Tidma, Bess, Maria, Abigail, Eva, Abba, Cynthia, Crotia, Poggy, Marina,
Venns, Juba, Charlotte, Fortune, Jane, Ameria, Robin, Sandtime, Joe, Jupiter,
Johnson, Adam, Pompey, Sammy, Julius, Scipio, Budon, Nero, Ben, Tom, Daniel,
Thomas, Frank, George, Random, Saffery, Nancy, George?, Biley, Tom, Christmas,
Sophy, Charity, John, Caroline, and Cumberland, to hold the said slaves and
???? of them together with their future issue offspring and ??? of the females
of the said slaves unto the said Francis Maitland his heirs and assigns for
ever
all the rest residue and remainder of my messuages lands estates plantations
houses? negroes goods chattels debts monies and securities for money money in
the funds Bonds property effects and things of every sort and denomination
whatsoever after payment of my just debts and funeral expenses I give devise
and bequeath unto my said son Francis Maitland to hold the same and every part
unto him his heirs and assigns for ever
I make nomination an appoint my said son Francis Maitland Andrew Wright of the
said Island of Jamaica esquire Christopher Henbury? Of the city of Bristol in
England Gentleman and Thomas Hogg of Jamaica aforesaid esquire executors of
this my will I hereby revoke and make void all former and every former wills
and will and so declare this only to be my last will and testament in witness
whereof I the said Rebecca Wright the testatorix have hereunto set my hand and
seal the fourteenth day of november in the year of our lord one thousand eight
hundred and four.. Rebecca Wright signed sealed published and declared by the
said Rebecca Wright the testatrix as and for ever last will and testament in
the presence of us who in ??? presence at her ???? and in the presence of ??
other suborne our names as witnesses Henry Burnham Henry Hornsbyn Amelia
Hornsby.
This will was proved at London the twenty eighth day of June in the year of our
lord one thousand eight hundred and five before the Right Honourable Sir
William Wynn Knight ???[1]
of James Master Harper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
lawfully constituted by the said Francis Maitland the son of the deceased and
Christopher Hornby esqs two of the executors named in the said will to whom
administration was granted of all and singular the goods chattels and credits
of the said deceased having been first sworn by commission duly to administer
power reserved of making like grant to Andrew Wright and Thomas Hogg esquires
together as executors named in the said will when ever they ??? apply ?????
PROB 1440 F444
In the name of God Amen.
I Andrew Wright of the Parish of Saint Elizabeth in the County of Cornwall in
the Island of Jamaica Esquire but now residing in Great Tower Street in London
Do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner and
form following (that is to say)
whereas previous to my departure from the said Island of Jamaica I left
directions with my son-in-law John Pusey Wint of Saint Elizabeth Esquire to
purchase on my account six negro slaves now? in case the said John Pusey Wint
shall have purchased the same previous to my decease I give devise and bequeath
the same six slaves unto and to the ???? of the said John Pusey Wint his heirs
executors administrators and assigns
I also give devise and bequeath unto my said son in law John Pusey Wint the
following negro and other slaves vizr Charles Balthazar Holford? Nesta? Allixis
Old Furney? Lucy and her child Sophia Grato Bella and her child Cubba Maria
Davis and her two children ??? and ??? which slaves formerly purchased of
Davisd Finlayson deputy Marshall ???? Scott and Ebony which last mentioned
negroes I purchased from on Board Ship???? I ???? Phillis Grace and her child
Anny which were formerly the property of Thomas Topham deceased with their
future issue offspring and interest?? Of the said ???? slaves
And also such part of my estate and lands situate and being in the parish of
Vere near Calabash Bay as is known by the name of Single Rock containing two
hundred acres of thereabouts ???? the same unto and to the use of the said John
Pusey Wint his heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever and
I give devise and bequeath unto my friends John Chambers of the Parish of Saint
Elizabeth aforesaid esquire Jeremiah Snow of Broad St Ratcliffe Highway in the
county of Middlesex hatter the said John Pusey Wint and James Cross of
Southwark in the county of Surrey Gentleman their heirs Executors
Administrators and Assigns ???? all ??? my pen and plantation situate in the
said Parish of Saint Elizabeth called Mitcham with the slaves cattle ????
plantations utensils and effects thereupon being and thereunto belonging at the
time of my decease and all other my lands tenements slaves and ????? and real
estate in the said island of Jamaica or elsewhere (except such estates of which
I am a trustee or mortgagee to hold the same and every part thereof unto and to
the use of the said John Chambers Jeremiah Snow John Pusey Wint and James Cross
their heirs executors administrators and assigns upon and for the trusts
intents and purposes and with under and subject to the powers provisions and
directions hereinafter mentioned expressed and directed containing the same
(that is to say) upon trust that they my trustees or the survivors or survivor
of them or the heirs executors or administrators of such survivors shall and do
by sale or mortgage of my said pen and plantation situate in the said parish of
Saint Elizabeth called Mitcham and the slaves cattle stock Plantation utensils
and effects being and thereunto belonging at the time of my decease or of a
different part thereof raise and pay the sum of five thousand pounds of lawful
money current in Jamaica but without interest unto the said John Pusey Wint his
executors admons or assigns by five yearly installments of one thousand pounds
each on the twenty fifth day of July in every year until the sum be paid and
the first instalment to be paid on the twenty fifth day of July which shall
first happen next after my decease and upon further trust they my said trustees
their heirs executors admons or assigns shall and do by mortgage of my said
last mentioned pen and plantation and premises in case my relation and cossin
Andrew Wright Booth of the parish of Vere aforesaid esquire shall ??? to attain
the age of twenty one years but otherwise raise the sum of one thousand pounds
Jamaica currency and pay the sum to my said relation and cossin Andrew Wright
Booth upon his attaining the age of twenty one years but without interest and
upon this further trust that they my said trustees of the survivors or survivor
of them or the heirs executors or administrators of such survivor shall and do
immediately after my decease enter into and take possession of as will my said
before mentioned pen and plantation and premises as of all my other plantations
estates slaves stores? Effects and premises so devised to them as aforesaid
subject to such mortgages as may have been made thereof or of any part thereof
under the trust and for
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the purposes aforesaid and shall and so cultivate manage and improve the said
to the best advantage and consign the produce thereof from time to time to
Great Britain to be sold and converted into money or otherwise sold and dispose
of the same and shall and so apply a competent part of the monies to arise by
the sale of such produce and consignment in paying and keeping down the said
installments of the said sum of five thousand pounds and of such mortgage or
mortgages of the same premises which shall be so made as aforesaid and also the
payment of all taxes repairs and outgoings and in furnishing the same estates
and ????? with necessary supplies and contingencies and upon further ?? that
they my said trustees or the survivors or survivor of them or the heirs executors
or admons of such survivor shall and so pay apply and dispose of the residue of
the monies to arise from the sale of such product and consignments as aforesaid
in manner following (that is to say) in trust to pay thereout an annuity or
yearly sum of three hundred pounds sterling English money unto my dear wife
Elizabeth Mary Wright and her assigs for life subject to the proviso or
condition hereinafter contained ????? the sume be four equal quarterly payments
on the twenty fifth day of December the twenty fifth day of March the twenty
fourth day of June and the twenty ninth day of Septr in each year and the first
payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said quarterly days of
payment as shall first happen next after my decease the same payments to be
made and written to my said wife either in the Island of Jamaica aforesaid or
in Great Britain as she shall think proper free from the J???? or property tax
and all other taxes charges and deductions whatsoever already taxed charged or
imposed or ????? upon the said annuity or yearly sum of three hundred pounds or
upon my said dear wife in respect thereof or for remittance? or otherwise ????
and in trust to pay and apply a competent part of the residue of the same
monies to arise from the sale of the said produce and consignments aforesaid
for the ???????? education and benefit of my reputed daughters Ann Wright and
Rebecca Wright born of the body of Ruth Sinclair until such of my said
daughters as shall be last living under the age of twenty one years and
unmarried shall attain that age or be married or die which ever of the said
last mentioned events shall first happen and
I devise and direct that the residue of the monies to arise from
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From the produce of my said estate shall subject to the several payment and
deductions during and until such of my said reputed daughters as shall be last
living under the said age of twenty one years and unmarried shall attain that
age or be married or die which ever of the said last mentioned events shall first
happen be added to and form a part of the residue of my personal estate
hereinafter bequeathed to my said trustees and shall be applicable to the same
purposes as are herein before declared concerning such residue Of my said
residual estate and subject to the trusts aforesaid I depose and direct that my
said trustees and the survivors and survivor of them and the heirs executors
and administrators of such survivor shall stand and be siezed and possessed of
and interested in all and singular my said plantation estate slaves stock and
premises so devised to them as aforesaid upon and for the Trusts intents and
purposes and with under and subject to the benefits provided and declarations
hereinafter mentioned and devised? concerning the same or as thereto as the
nature and quantity of the same plantations estates slaves stocks and premises
will respectively admit of at ???? or in equity (that is to say) did to for and
concerning? undivided moiety or half part thereof the whole into two equal
parts to be divided in Trust for the said Ann Wright and her assigns and
during the term of her natural life and to the intent that she and they may
hold and enjoy the same without impeachment of waste and from and after her
decease in trust for all and every child and children of the said Ann Wright
lawfully to be begotten to be divided between or amongst them if more than one
in equal shares as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and for the heirs
or her respective bodies of all and every such child and children as to the
????? or shares surviving
Sidenote addition:
And in case there shall be a failure of issue of any or more of them than or
occurring to such last mentioned child or children and his her or their issue
in trust for all and every other the child or children of the said Ann Wright
lawfully to be begotten to be divided between or amongst them if more than one
in equal shares as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and for the heirs
of their respective bodies issuing and if all such children except out shall
die without issue or there shall be but one child in trust for such one child
and the heirs of his or her body issuing and for disbult?? of such issue in
Page 5
trust for the said Rebecca Wright and her assigns for and during the term of
her natural life and to the intent that she and they may hold and enjoy the
same without impeachmentment of waste and from and after her decease in trust
for all and every the child and children of the said Rebecca Wright lawfully to
be begotten to be divided between or amongst them if more than one in equal
shares as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and for the heirs of the
respective bodies of all and every such child and children issuing and in case
there shall be a failure of the issue of any one or more of them then as well
as to the original share or shares as to the share?? shares surviving or ??????
to such last mentioned child or children or his her or their issue in trust for
all and every other the child and children of the said Rebecca Wright lawfully
to be begotten to be divided between or amongst them (if more than one in equal
shares as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and for the heirs of their
respective bodies issuing and if all such children except out shall die without
issue or there shall be but one such child in trust for such one or only child
and the issue of his or her body issuing
and for default? of such issue in trust for the said John Pusey Wint and Andrew
Wright Booth in equal shares as tenants in common and for their respective
heirs executors administrators and assigns and as them to for and containing
all that the remaining moiety or half part the whole into two equal parts to be
divided of and in the said last mentioned plantation estates slaves stock and
premises respectively in trust for the said Rebecca Wright and her assigns
during her natural life and to the intent that she may hold and enjoy the same
without impeachment of waste and from and after her decease in trust for all
and every tho? Child and children of the said Rebecca Wright lawfully to be
begotten to be divided between or amongst them if more than one in equal shares
as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and for the heirs of the respective
bodies of all and every the child and children issuing and in case there shall
be a failure of issue of any one or more of them ????? as well as to the
original one or thare? share or shares as the share or shares surviving or
occurring to such last mentioned child or children or his her or their issue in
trust for all and every other child or children of
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The said Rebecca Wright lawfully to be begotten to be divided between or
amongst them if more than one in equal shares as tenants in common and not as
joint tenants and for the heirs of their respective bodies issuing and if all
such children except out shall die without issue or there shall be but one such
child in trust for such one or only child The heirs of his or her body issuing
and for default of such issue in trust for the said Ann Wright and her assigns
for the term of her natural life and to the intent that she and they may hold
and enjoy the same without impeachmentment of waste and from and after her
decease in trust for all and every the child and children of the said Ann Wright
lawfully to be begotten to be divided between or amongst them if more than one
in equal shares as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and for the heirs
of the respective bodies of all and every such child and children issuing and
in case there shall be a failure of the issue of any one or more of them then
as well as to the original share or shares as to the share?? shares surviving
or occurring to such last mentioned child or children or his her or their issue
in trust for all and every other the child and children of the said Ann Wright
lawfully to be begotten to be divided between or amongst them (if more than one
in equal shares as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and for the heirs
of their respective bodies issuing and if all such children except out shall
die without issue or there shall be but one such child in trust for such one or
only child and the heir of his or her body issuing and for default? of such
issue in trust for the said John Pusey Wint and Andrew Wright Booth in equal
shares as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and for their respective
heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever and to or for up? Other?
Trust intent or purposes whatsoever provided always and I hereby declare that
the said annuity or yearly sum of three hundred pounds is so given to my said
wife for her life as aforesaid with full ?? her? and? satisfaction? ???? ???
thirds?? Or other estate or ?????? she shall or may have on Demand
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out of my Real or personal estates or any part or parts thereof save and except
the said annuity or yearly sum of three hundred pounds hereby given to her and
upon condition that she do release all such claims and demands on request
being made to her for that purpose and in case my said wife shall refuse to
accept the same annuity in satisfaction of all such claims as aforesaid and
shall neglect or refuse to sign and ???? such release or respective releases of
her said claims aforesaid and of every of them to the respective Devisees and
trustees of my said real and personal estate or to their respective heirs
executors administrators or assigns or to any of them or shall be in that
behalf divided required such release or respective releases to be prepared at
the costs and charges of the persons requiring the same then and in either? Of
the said cases I declare and direct that the said annuity or yearly sum of
three hundred pounds so given to my said wife as aforesaid shall cease and be
no longer paid and shall thenceforth sink into the fund out of which the same
is made payable for the benefit of the persons for the time being entitled
thereto
And in case my said dear wife Elizabeth Mary Wright shall after my decease
depart from the Island of Jamaica for the purpose of residing in Great Britain
but not otherwise I give and bequeath to her the sum of three hundred pounds
for her own use to be paid to her at her departure from the said island of
Jamaica but without interest
I also give and bequeath unto the said John Chambers John Pusey Wint Jeremiah Snow
and the said James Cross the sum of one hundred pounds each Jamaica currency to
be paid or retained ?? them out of the funds next hereinafter mentioned
immediately upon my decease as a mark of my friendship and regard for them and
I give and bequeath all the rest and residue of my monies goods chattels and
personal estate not hereinbefore disposed of unto the said John Chambers John
Pusey Wint Jeremiah Snow and James Cross their executors administrators and
assigns
Page 8
Upon trust that they and the survivors and survivor of them and the executors
and administrators of such survivor do and shall as soon as conveniently may be
after my decease sill get in and convert the whole thereof into money and shall
and do thereof in the first place pay and satisfy my just debts funeral expense
and the legacies hereinbefore by me given to my said trustees in the next
place?? And also shall and do apply the residue after said outgoings to arise
and be made from my said personal estate so far as the same will extend in the
payment satisfaction and discharge of the said sum of five thousand pounds
hereinbefore directed to be raised and paid out of my said real estates and
premises hereinbefore devised to my said trustees and after the payment thereof
to and shall stand possessed of the overplus of such monies if any upon the
same or the like trusts intents and purposes and under and subject to the same
or the like powers providoes declarations and agreements as are hereinbefore
mentioned expressed and declared containing the said plantations estates slaves
stocks and premises last hereinbefore devised to the said John Chambers John
Pusey Wint Jeremiah Snow and James Cross their heirs executors administrators
and assigns respectively upon the trusts aforesaid or as near thereto as the
death of parties and other contingencies and the rules of law and equity will admit
of provided always and I hereby declare that if any of the persons who by
virtue of the trusts and limitations aforesaid shall become entitled to an
estate saie?? In my said real estates and premises lastly hereinbefore devised
under the trusts ad limitations hereinbefore contained shall depart this life
under the age of twenty one years without surviving issue of his or her body
living at his or her decease or born afterwards then and so after as the same
shall happen within the period allowed by law for exeintory devised to take
place such person shall be considered as not having acquired a vested interest
in the chatels and residue of the said personal estate hereinbefore given and
bequeathed the same shall go over to the next taker of my said last mentioned
real estates and premises under and according to the trusts and limitations
hereinbefore contained subject also to this proviso provided always and I do
hereby also
Page 9
Direct and declare that in case the said Ann Wright and Rebecca Wright or
either of them shall at any time or times after my decease without the previous
consent in writing of the trustees or trustee being of this my will return or come
into the said island of Jamaica single and without having been married then and
in such case ?? will the original as any accruing?? Share of them or her so
returning single and without having been married or without such previous
consent in writing of the trustees or trustee for the time being of this my
will of and in my said real and personal estate hereinbefore devised and
bequeathed respectively for their benefit as aforesaid shall be in trust for
and shall go over to such person or persons as would by virtue of the trusts
and limitations hereinbefore contained be entitled to such shares of my said
real and personal estate respectively in case they the said Ann Wright and
Rebecca Wright or such of them as shall so return as aforesaid were them virtually
dead without issue of their or her bodies or body as aforesaid a? and so far as
I am enabled so to do
I hereby nominate and appoint the said John Chambers John Pusey Wint Jeremiah
Snow and James Cross and the survivors and survivor of them and the Guardian
and Guardians of the persons and person of the said Anne Wright and Rebecca
Wright until they respectively attain the age of twenty one years or be married
which shall first happen and I give and devise unto and to the use of the said
John Chambers John Pusey Wint Jeremiah Snow and James Cross their heirs and
assigns all such estates as are vested in me by by way of mortgage the better
to enable them to receive ????? and get in the monies thereby assigned for the
purposes of this my will
I also give and devise unto and to the use of the said John Chambers John Pusey
Wint Jeremiah Snow and James Cross their heirs and assigns
Addition:
All such estates are now vested in me as a ???? or any person or persons and
??? to ???? heirs and assigns
Upon the trusts affecting the same and I nominate and appoint the said John
Chambers John Pusey Wint Jeremiah Snow and James Cross joint executors of this
my last will and testament and I hereby declare and direct that the receipt and
receipts of the said John Chambers John Pusey Wint Jeremiah Snow
Page 10
and James Cross and their survivors and survivor of them and of the heirs
executors administrators and assigns of such survivor for all mortgage and
other money hereinbefore directed to be raised or which shall become payable to
them upon the trusts of this my will shall be a good and sufficient discharge
to the person or persons as paying the same or any part thereof for so much
money as shall be therein acknowledged to be received and that the person or
persons to whom such receipt or receipts shall be given as aforesaid shall not
be obliged to see to the application of such mortgage or other monies to be
answerable or accountable for the misapplication or non application of the same
or any part thereof or be liable to enquire ?? into the necessity of making such
a mortgage or mortgages and also that it shall and may be lawful to and for the
trustees and trustee for the time being under this my will to divert retain to
and reimburse themselves and himself respectively not only such costs charges
and expenses as they or any of them shall respectively be put unto in and about
the execution of the trusts hereinbefore contained? Or any of them out also the
usual commission paid by them on the consignment of the product of my said real
estates hereinbefore directed to be made as aforesaid and all agent and factors
charges and that they my said trustee and the trustees and trustee for the time
being under this my will and shall not be answerable for any loss which shall
happen to the said trust estates St???? and premises or any part thereof so
that he same do not happen through their wilful neglect or default and that
they shall not be answerable or accountable for the acts deeds deceipts??
Neglects or defaults of each other but each of them for his own acts and
receipts only
And I direct my said executors to devise to the said Ann Wright and Rebecca
Wright respectively as soon as conveniently may be after my decease true copies
of this my last will and testament to the intent that they may be fully
acquainted with the contents thereof and particularly the clause prohibiting
their return to Jamaica under the circumstances aforesaid and I do hereby
revoke all my former wills in witness thereof I the Andrew Wright living?? To
this my last will and testament contained in nine sheets of paper set my hand
to the first eight sheets abd to this ninth and last sheet thereof my hand and
seal this twenty first day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and six -
Andrew Wright
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Andrew Wright the testator as
and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence
at his request and in the presence of each other here subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto the words "Jeremiah Snow being ???? and the word
"Mary" being ???? initialled?? On the sixth page before.
Signing: - David Davies Newington - Thos Turnbull Bermondsey - Cha Grant King
Street Southwark.
IN WHICH DAY Appeared personally Charles Grant of King Street Southwark in the
county of Surrey Gentleman and made oath that he knew and was acquainted with
Andrew Wright Esquire late of the Parish of Saint Elizabeth in the county of
Cornwall in the Island of Jamaica but of Great Tower Street in the city of
London and is one of the subscribing witnesses to his last will and testament
of the said deceased
The said will beginning thus "Jamaica, in the name of God Ahmen I Andrew
Wright I Andrew Wright of the Parish of Saint Elizabeth in the County of Cornwall
in the Island of Jamaica Esquire but now residing in Great Tower Street in
London Do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in
manner and form following (that is to say)"
Ending thus " in witness thereof I the Andrew Wright living?? To this my last
will and testament contained in nine sheets of paper set my hand to the first
eight sheets and to this ninth and last sheet thereof my hand and seal this
twenty first day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and six -" and thus substituted "Andrew Wright" and he further
made oath that on the said twenty first day of January one thousand eight
hundred and six - David Davies Thomas Turnbull and the deponent attended the
deceased at Nesington in the county of Surrey for the purpose of becoming
witnesses to his last will and testament and accordingly a certain writing
contained in nine sheets of paper was ???? and there produced to them the said
David Davies Thomas Turnbull and this deponent and the deceased did place? On
the said twenty first day of January one thousand eight hundred and six being
the date of the said will sit and ????? his name to each of the said nine
sheets of paper in manner and form as same now appears thereon and did seal it publish
and declare the same as and for his last will and testament in their presence
that at the request of the said deceased they the said David Davies Thomas
Turnbull and this deponent did severally sit and subscribe their names as
witnesses thereto in the presence of the said deceased and of each other and
the said deceased of his will did nominate constitute and appoint John Chambers
John Pusey Wint Jeremiah Snow and James Cross esquires executors and the said
original last will and testament of the said deceased bearing date beginning
ending and subscribed as aforesaid being so produced and shewn to this deponent
and he leaving carefully viewed and inspected the same saith that he names Chas
Grant now appearing set and subscribed to the said will in the deponents own
proper handwriting and subscription and he thereby ????? the said original will
or writing so as aforesaid contained in nine sheets of paper and now produced
to him as such to be the very paper writing which the said deceased did on the
said twenty first day of January one thousand eight hundred and six sit and
subscribe his name to and publish and declare to be and contain his last will
and testament in the presence of the deponent and the said David Davies and
Thomas Turnbull and lastly this deponent saith that at and during all and
singular the premises predeposed the said deceased appeared to be and was as he
verily and in his ???? believes of sound mind manner and understanding that he
talked and discussed rationally and sensibly and as he verily believes well
knew and understood what he then said and did and was capable of making his
will and testament or of doing any other act that required thought judgement or
reflection - Chas Grant = On the 4th month of 1806 the said Charles Grant was
duly sworn to the truth of the aforesaid affidavit before Sir john Daubeny ???
-
This will was proved at London the fifth day of March in the year of our lord
one thousand eight hundred and six before the worshipful Charles Coote Doctor
of Law surrogate of the Right Honourable Sir William Wynne Knight also Doctor
of Law Master ????? or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
lawfully constituted by the Oaths of Jeremiah Snow and James Cross Esquire two
of the Executors named in the said will to whom administration of all and
singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased and granted having
been first sworn duly to administer power reserved of making the like Grant to
John Chambers and John Pusey Wint Esquires the other Executors named in the
said will which they of either of them shall apply for the same.
This will was proved at London the twenty eighth day of July in the year of our
lord one thousand eight hundred and six before the worshipful John Woodfield
Compro Doctor of Law surrogate of the Right Honourable Sir William Wynne Knight
also Doctor of Law Master ????? or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of
Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oaths of John Pusey Wint Esquire one
other of the Executors named in the said will to whom administration of all and
singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased and granted having
been first sworn duly to administer power reserved of making the like Grant to
John Chambers Esquires the other Executors named in the said will which they of
either of them shall apply for the same.
Andrew Wright - 1806 - Plain Language
I, Andrew Wright of the Parish of Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica Esquire but now
residing in Great Tower Street in London declare this to be my last will and
testament.
previous to my departure from Jamaica I left directions with my son-in-law John
Pusey Wint of Saint Elizabeth Esquire to purchase on my account 6 negro
slaves. If John Wint has purchased them before my decease, I bequeath them to
him, as well as "the following negro and other slaves" (about 25
named).
And also my estate in the parish of Vere near Calabash Bay named Single Rock
containing about 200 acres to John Wint.
I bequeath to my friends John Chambers of Saint Elizabeth, esquire, Jeremiah
Snow of Broad St Ratcliffe Highway, Middlesex, hatter, John Pusey Wint and
James Cross of Southwark, Surrey, Gentleman,
(for this transcription = my trustees)
.. all my pen and plantation in Saint Elizabeth called Mitcham with the slaves
cattle ???? plantations utensils and effects .. and all other my lands
tenements slaves and real estate in Jamaica or elsewhere .. in trusts .. to
raise by sale or mortgage of Mitcham ...
to pay £5000 without interest to John Wint in 5 annual instalments and to pay
my relation and cossin Andrew Wright Booth of the parish of Vere esquire £1000
when 21 years old.
to "cultivate manage and improve the (pen & plantation) to the best advantage
and consign the produce thereof from time to time to Great Britain to be
sold" and .. use the income towards the £5000 and mortgage payments and
repairs and other outgoings for the estate.
And any residue of income to be in trust as following:
to pay an annuity of £300 sterling "to my dear wife Elizabeth Mary Wright "for
life .. " the same payments to be made and written to my said wife either
in the Island of Jamaica or in Great Britain as she shall think proper, free
from tax ..
to pay .. for the education and benefit of my reputed daughters Ann Wright and
Rebecca Wright born of Ruth Sinclair, until aged 21 or married, whichever is
the sooner.
..the residue of the income shall, subject to the several payment and deductions,
until the last daughter is 21 or married, be added to .. the residue of my
personal estate hereinafter bequeathed to my said trustees
Of my residual estate, subject to the trusts aforesaid, I direct that my trustees
shall be possessed my plantation (etc) for the Trust's intents and subject to
the benefits provided and declarations hereinafter mentioned with the trust in
two parts:
for the said Ann Wright for her natural life .. she .. may hold and enjoy ..
the same .. after her decease in trust all her children (lawfully to be
begotten) "as tenants in common and not as joint tenants" and their
issue.
If no surviving issue (or "grand-issue"), in trust for Rebecca Wright
for life and after her decease in trust for all her children and their issue.
If no issue of Rebecca, in trust for the John Wint and Andrew Wright Booth
The remaining half .. in trust for Rebecca Wright for her life and after her
decease in trust for her descendants
If no children of Rebecca, in trust for Ann Wright and her descendants
If no descendants of Ann & Rebecca, .. in trust for John Pusey Wint and Andrew
Wright Booth in equal shares as tenants in common and not as joint tenants
and I hereby declare that the annuity £300 is given to my wife ... upon condition
that she release all claims on request being made to her for that purpose and
in case my said wife shall refuse to accept the same annuity in satisfaction of
all such claims and shall refuse to sign such release of her said claims to the
trustees of my estate I direct that the annuity shall cease and shall sink
into the fund out of which the same is made payable for the benefit of the
persons for the time being entitled thereto
And if my wife Elizabeth Mary Wright shall after my decease leave Jamaica for
the purpose of residing in Great Britain (but not otherwise) I bequeath to her
£300, to be paid to her at her departure from Jamaica.
I also give and bequeath "my trustees" the sum of £100 each Jamaica currency
to be paid to them out of the funds next mentioned immediately upon my decease
as a mark of my friendship and regard for them
and I give and bequeath all the rest and residue of my monies goods chattels
and personal estate not hereinbefore disposed of to "my trustees"
Upon trust that they shall as soon as conveniently may be after my decease
convert the whole into money and shall pay my just debts funeral expense and
the legacies hereinbefore by me given to my said trustees in the next place??
And also shall apply the residue after said outgoings to arise and be made from
my said personal estate so far as the same will extend in the payment of the
£5000 hereinbefore directed to be paid out of my real estates hereinbefore
devised to my said trustees and after the payment thereof, shall be possessed
of the overplus of such monies if any upon the trusts last hereinbefore devised
to "my trustees" upon the trusts aforesaid provided always
If any legatee dies without living issue before 21, their share shall pass to
the next in line.
I also direct that if Ann Wright or Rebecca Wright shall at any time after my
decease without the consent in writing of the trustees .. return to Jamaica
unmarried then any share of them .. shall be in trust for .. such persons as
would .. "be entitled to such shares of my estate if Ann Wright or Rebecca
Wright .. were they virtually dead without issue of her body"
I hereby nominate and appoint "my trustees" .. the Guardians of ..
Anne Wright and Rebecca Wright until the earlier age of twenty one years or marriage
and I give and devise unto and to the use of "my trustees" .. all
such estates as are vested in me by way of mortgage the better to enable them get
in the monies thereby assigned for the purposes of this my will
I also give and devise unto and to the use of "my trustees"
Addition:
All such estates are now vested in me as a ???? or any person or persons and
??? to ???? heirs and assigns
Upon the trusts affecting the same and I nominate and appoint "my trustees"
joint executors of this my last will and testament and I direct that the
receipts of "my trustees"
for all mortgage and other money hereinbefore directed to be raised or which
shall become payable to them upon the trusts of this my will
shall be a discharge to the person paying the same or any part thereof for so
much money as shall be therein acknowledged to be received and that the person
to whom such receipt shall be given shall not be obliged to see to the
application of such mortgage or other monies to be answerable or accountable
for the misapplication or non application of the same or any part thereof or be
liable to enquire ?? into the necessity of making such a mortgage or mortgages
and .. the trustees may reimburse themselves not only such expenses as they
may be put to in the execution of the trusts or for the usual commission paid
on the consignment of the product of my real estates and all agent and factors
charges and that they shall not be answerable for any loss which shall happen
to the said trust so that "the same do not happen through their wilful
neglect or default and that they shall not be answerable or accountable for the
acts deeds deceipts?? neglects or defaults of each other but each of them for
his own acts and receipts only"
"And I direct my said executors to devise to Ann and Rebecca Wright respectively
as soon as conveniently after my decease copies of this my last will and
testament to the intent that they may be fully acquainted with the contents
thereof and particularly the clause prohibiting their return to Jamaica under
the circumstances aforesaid"
"and I do hereby revoke all my former wills in witness thereof I the Andrew
Wright living?? To this my last will and testament contained in nine sheets of
paper set my hand to the first eight sheets and to this ninth and last sheet
thereof my hand and seal this twenty first day of February in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and six -
Andrew Wright
Signing: - David Davies Newington - Thos Turnbull Bermondsey - Cha
Grant King Street Southwark.
The will was sworn by "Charles Grant of King Street Southwark in the county
of Surrey Gentleman and made oath that he knew and was acquainted with Andrew
Wright Esquire is one of the subscribing witnesses to his last will"
The will was proved in London, 5 March 1806 and 28 July 1806
Bequests:
Trustees and Executors:
"my friends John Chambers of Saint Elizabeth, esquire, Jeremiah Snow of Broad
St, Ratcliffe Highway, Middlesex, hatter, John Pusey Wint and James Cross of
Southwark, Surrey, Gentleman,
They were also guardians of Ann & Rebecca until 21 or marriage.
of .. my pen and plantation in Saint Elizabeth called Mitcham with the slaves,
cattle, plantations, utensils and effects .. and all other my lands, tenements,
slaves and real estate in Jamaica or elsewhere .. and ...
to "cultivate manage and improve the (pen & plantation) to the best advantage
and consign the produce thereof from time to time to Great Britain to be
sold" and .. use the income towards the £5000 and mortgage payments and
repairs and other outgoings for the estate.
To son in law John Pusey Wint: about 30 slaves, Single Rock Estate, near Calabash
Bay, Vere, and 5 £1000 annual payments from Mitcham pen.
to "relation and cossin" Andrew Wright Booth of the parish of Vere
£1000 when 21 years old.
to pay an annuity of £300 sterling "to my dear wife Elizabeth Mary Wright"
for life (if she makes further claims, she may forfeit the whole), with a
further £300 single payment if she moves from Jamaica to GB.
£100 to each Trustee.
to pay .. for the education and benefit of my reputed daughters Ann Wright and
Rebecca Wright born of Ruth Sinclair, until aged 21 or married, whichever is
the sooner.
..the residue of the income shall, until the last daughter is 21 or married, be
added to .. the residue of my personal estate
The residual estate left to Ann and Rebecca Wright and their issue, failing
that to John Pusey Wint and Andrew Wright Booth. If either Ann or Rebecca
returned to Jamaica unmarried, their share would pass on
"were she virtually dead without issue of her body"
"And I direct my said executors to devise to Ann and Rebecca Wright respectively
as soon as conveniently after my decease copies of this my last will and
testament to the intent that they may be fully acquainted with the contents
thereof and particularly the clause prohibiting their return to Jamaica under
the circumstances aforesaid"
Signed 21 February 1806.
Proved to "Charles Grant of King Street Southwark"
The will was proved in London, 5 March 1806 and 28 July 1806
An Act to Entitle Patty Penford of the parish of St Elizabeth a free Mulatto
woman and Rebecca Wright, Margaret Forbes her daughters and Francis Maitland
the son of the said Rebecca Wright and Elizabeth Littlehouse the daughter of
the said Margaret Forbes to the same Rights and Privileges with English
Subjects born of White Parents under certain Provisions---
Whereas the said Patty Penford, Rebecca Wright, Margaret Forbes Francis
Maitland and Elizabeth Littlehales have been severally Baptized Educated and
Instructed in the principles of the Christian Religion and in the Communion of
the Church of England as by Law Established. And whereas the said Patty Penford
is Possessed of real and personal Estate in this Island to a very Considerable
Value which she intends to bestow on the said Rebecca Wright and Margaret
Forbes and their Children the said Francis Maitland and Elizabeth Littlehales
in such manner as to raise them above the level of people of colour in General
but for the Unfortunate Circumstances of their Birth the said Patty Penford
being a Mulatto and her said daughters being Quadroons, and their Children ??
they may be subject and liable to the same pain and penalties as free Mulattos
who have no property altho' the Children of the said Francis Maitland born of
White Women and the Children of the said Elizabeth Littlehales begotten by
White Men will be entitled to by Law to all the Rights and Privileges of White
People. We Therefore your Majesty's Faithful and loyal Subjects the Lieutenant
Governor Council and Assembly of this your Majesty's Island of Jamaica Do most
Humbly beseech your Majesty that it might be Enacted And it is hereby Enacted
by the Authority of the same ?? that the said Patty Penford Rebecca Wright and
Margaret Forbes and Elizabeth Littlehales and their Issue begotten by White Men
and the said Francis Maitland and his Issue born of White Women shall henceforth
be deemed and taken for and free and natural born subjects of this Island and
shall ?? and adjuged for all Crimes Misdemeanors and Offences which they or
either of them shall be hereafter charged with in the same manner as if they
and every of them were for free and Natural Subjects of Great Britain and in no
other manner whatsoever and that they may and every of them shall be entitled
to have and enjoy all the Rights Privileges humanities and Advantages
whatsoever as if they and every of them were born of ?? White Ancestors Any
Laws Customs Useage to the Contrary in any way notwithstanding Provided that
nothing in this Act Contains Shall be Contained or Understood to confer upon
the said Patty Penford, Rebecca Wright, Margaret Forbes and Elizabeth
Littlehales and their Issue or upon the said Francis Maitland any Power
Capacity of Ability of giving Testimony against any White Person or Persons in
any Trusts or Lower Court or Criminal Except in Criminal prosecutions for
Robberies Assaults Batteries Breaches of the Peace or any ?? Commmittes against
them or either of them. And Provided also that nothing in this Act contains
shall be contained to confer upon the said Francis Maitland any Power Capacity
of Ability of sitting or voting either in the Council or Assembly of this
Island or of holding or enjoying any Office Civil or Military or Serving as
Jurors or Vestrymen or of Voting at any Election whatsoever but that he shall
be totally excluded therefore any thing herein contained to the Contrary Notwithstanding.
fifteenth November 1784.
From Robin Downie, 16/12/2000.
Ent 4 Jun 1741
Wills LOS 23/3
John Sinclair... of Clarendon... sick in body...
To Alexander Sinclair the son of my beloved brother Peter Sinclair of Clarendon...
planter L20 per annum and a young heifer
To my brother Peter Sinclair L500 To my beloved daughter Elizabeth Sinclair L
1500 (L500 at 18 years or marriage)
2nd L500 at 21 years and a negro girl
To my dear and beloved wife Priscilla Sinclair use and occupation of my dwelling
house and pasture at Top Hill aforesaid where we now dwell and my new
plantation at Dixons... Land at Milk River called Rumate Plantation?
My beloved son John Hayle Sinclair the rest and residue including in Carthness
in Scotland.
My brother Robert Sinclair in Cairthess Scotland gentleman
My brother Francis Sinclair " "
My brother William Sinclair " "
To the eldest son of my sister...
To my beloved sister Elizabeth Sinclair the wife of Alexander Sinclair of
Cairthness
To my negro wench Hannah a barrel of flour and a barrel of herring
Appoint my beloved friends Patrick Adam of Kingston merchant and John Gills of
Vere Esq., Andrew Archduke? of St. Catherine Esq. and Peter Sinclair my brother
and Priscilla my wife executor and guardian of my children.
*******
Ent 19 Nov 1766
Wills LOS 36/134
I John Hayle Sinclair... give devise and bequeath unto Sophronia Sinclair,
Nicholas Sinclair, Susannah Sinclair, Sarah Sinclair, Thomas Sinclair, James
Sinclair, Patrick Sinclair, Edward Sinclair, Joseph Sinclair, and Ruth
Sinclair, the children born of the body of Judith Burton (and also John
Sinclair born of the body of Sarah Bonner) all my whole estate real and
personal or mixed...
In case the surnames hereby expressed should be disputed and Exocotions? Taken
on there unto by any person or persons claiming or to claim by right of
consanguinity or otherwise any part of my said Estate or the whole thereof as I
can find none of my relations ready to do me the least kindness nor did one of
them assist me to get money or wealth/ my will and desire is and I do hereby to
all intents and purposes give devise and bequeath the said estate real personal
or mixed to the above mentioned identical devisees... and in case they attain
the age of 21 years without white children... it is my will that Judith Burton
shall reside in my home called Bernuda Castle in order to take care of my children
during her natural life as she pleases (as long as she doesn't marry or
cohabitat) (then all is denied her)
I appoint my dear and trusty friends Thomas Wastnons? and Joseph James Swaby
executors and guardians
*******
Dated 10 Sep 1786
Ent 20 Jun 1806
Wills LOS 76/138
I Elizabeth Sophronia Sinclair of St. Elizabeth... spinster being in perfect
health and of sound mind and memory do make this my last will and testament...
(to be decently interred.) I give... the following negro slaves named
Industry, Charles, Davy, Duke, Henrietta, Christine, Pompey, Hercules, Mary and
Caroline... to be divided between my children Robert Rotton and Arabella
Rotton...(if either dies then to the other) the largest liver to take the
whole... and all my land stock (and everything else real or personal or
mixed... to my said children...
Appoint John Swaby of St. Elizabeth planter, executor and Judith Burton of St.
Elizabeth executrix this 10 Sep 1786.
*******
Dated 9 Jul 1793
Ent. 8 Sep 1794
Wills LOS 58/128
Whereas Edward Sinclair late of St. Elizabeth deceased in and by his last will
and testament dated 9 Jul 1793 did nominate and appoint together with Joseph
Sinclair of St. Eliz... his Executors... Susannah Sinclair has renounced her
executorship...
***********
Susannah Sinclair to Sarah Sinclair et al - 1797
Deeds LOS 446/72
*This is my note* Susannah Harriott, the widow of Edward Sinclair
Dated 20 Sep 1796
Ent 18 Oct 1797
To all to whom these presents ... I Susannah Sinclair to Sarah Sinclair et al
To all to whom these presents... I Susannah Sinclair of St. Elizabeth widow...
for and in consideration of natural love and affection she hath and beareth to
her daughters Sarah Sinclair and Catherine Ann Malcolm of St. Elizabeth both
infants under the age of 21 (to wit) of 3 and 1 years or thereabouts...
Consideration of 10/- gives slaves Harry, Chase and Frugal
************
Proved 24 Jul 1799
Wills LOS 66/112
Ruth Sinclair of... Vere,... spinster... poor in health and weak in body... To
my well beloved daughter Ann Wright, Mary Wright and Rebecca Wright....3
negroes (named)
To my beloved daughter Isabella Read who I make and nominate as my heir of this
my last will and testament... slaves...
To my well beloved daughter Ruth Read...
To my well beloved friend John Read of.... Vere...
...my dearly beloved brother Alexander Sinclair of St. Eliz. and Thomas Read of
Vere appoint as executors... My wench Camila and her son William, if the
father of William gives back a slave (William) can go free and if gives 2 for
Camilla she can go free, Camila is to serve Isabella Read till she is 15 years
**********
Robert Bowes to Sinclair con land - 1821
Deeds LOS 706/68
Dated 29 Jun 1815
Ent 5 Nov 1821
To Judith Sinclair a free woman of colour 14 acres of mountain land adjoining
Providence coffee plantation for her natural life to descend to her 2 children
named Caroline Sinclair Bowes and Mary Magelina Bowes.
***********
16 Aug 1822
Wills LOS 101/161
I, Alexander Sinclair of Manchester... To Sarah Sinclair, daughter of my
brother Edward Sinclair... To the heirs of Francis Maitland... To my
housekeeper Lucy Facey a negro named Jane.... To my sons; Thomas, Joseph,
James, and Alexander Sinclair.... To my daughters Sarah, Susannah, Priscilla,
and Elizabeth Sinclair... To my granddaughters Caroline and Mary Bowes... To
my two nephews John Hale Sinclair and Joseph James Sinclair...
*******
11 Oct 1823
Ent. 28 Jan 1824
Wills LOS 104/127
Of Manchester a free person of colour...all debts to be paid... slaves to be
hired or rented so debts can be paid... To my housekeeper Sarah Brown of
Manchester a free person of colour my house that I now reside in and lands thereto
and hereditaments... All property I am entitled to under the will of my father
shall be considered part of my residuary estate...
To my 2 sons Edward Sinclair and George Horatio Sinclair and my daughter Judith
Sinclair...
Elizabeth Wander to work until my debts are paid off then manumise her...
Appoints sons as executors
Codicil
I give to the child that Elizabeth Wander is ensient with, if a male to be
given a male slave, if a female a female slave and Elizabeth to get a part of
the estate and to cultivate the land for the benefit of her child.
********
17 Nov 1824
Ent 19 Dec 1829
Wills LOS 110/86
Of Manchester... a free person of colour... (all debts to be paid)... my dear
mother Lucy Facy... 3 slaves...
I am entitled under the last will and testament of my father Alexander Sinclair
to certain lands and slaves...
To my brothers Joseph and James Sinclair and my 4 sisters Sarah S., Susanah
S.., Priscilla S., and Elizabeth S.
********
1 Nov 1827
Ent 29 Aug 1833
Wills LOS 113/217
Of Manchester a free person of colour... To my sons Ralph Sinclair and Abraham
Facey Segree my filly marked LF running at Prospect Plantation... and whereas I
am entitled under and by virtues of the Last Will and Testament of my late
father Alexander Sinclair to certain lands and slaves... (to be given to her 2 sons).
...and whereas I am entitled under the last will and testament of my late
brother Alexander Sinclair to certain lands and slaves (to her 2 children) and
also everything else.
*********
Ent 23 Nov 1841
Will LOS 121/195
Susannah Sinclair of Manchester... Spinster... My property call? Toy? Ball? ...
my daughter... Mrs. Isabelle Strupart?... her children
My six daughters... Esther Facey Segree, Adeline Segree, Susannah Sinclair
Segree, Sarah Victoria Segree, Lucy Facey Segree, Rebecca Fernandes Segree... 5
acres each...
My 3 sons... Matthew Segree, Augustus Segree, and Abraham DeSouza Segree...
My good friend Ralph Segree... executor and guardian
Witness J Morais, William Bromfield, J.M. Segree
*********
Changes:
23/7/2002: layout & print.
23/11/2007: reformatted.
19/8/2008: Privilege Bill