In the name of God Amen, I William Bigham of Langoven in the County of Monmouth being of sound mind but apprehensive of a speedy dissolution, hereby make this my last will and testament.
My property which consists of the stock on my farm, household furniture and debts due to me, I bequeath as follows.
I leave to my wife Rachael in addition to her marriage settlement of eighty pounds the further sum of twenty pounds, and all the household furniture which she brought when we were married.
I give to my son William forty pounds and a feather bed. I give to my daughter Francis the wife of William Hall twenty pounds. I give to my daughter Mary the wife of Charles Herbert twenty pounds. I leave my son John and Elizabeth my executors, to pay all and every charge of rents and taxes due from me to the time of my death and to receive all debts due to me. The residue and remainder after my funeral …………………… my said son John and Elizabeth my daughter, and the legacies to be paid by them within twelve months after my decease. It is also my will that if my son John and Elizabeth my daughter should not agree to carry on the farm for their joint benefits, then the said residue shall be valued by two impartial persons severally fixed upon and appointed by them the said John and Elizabeth.
In witness whereof I hereby sign my name and affix my seal this day of June in the year of our Lord 1812. William Bigham
Witness Chas Spencer, James Norris Amtt?
13th October 1812 Elizabeth Bigham & John Bigham of Langoven, the daughter & son named in the will was sworn &c And that the goods &c of the said deceased do not amount in value to the sum of six hundred pounds before me Benj Hall, Chancellor
Proved at Abergavenny on the 13th of Oct 1812 on the oath of Elizabeth Bigham and William* Bigham the children by the Chancellor
* As per the document. DW
NOTE: This document was photocopied onto 2 x A4 sheets. There was no overlap, at least one line is missing. DW
Transcribed from a photocopy by Dave Woolven, 2 Aspen Way, Malpas Park, Newport, South Wales. NP20 6LB Tel 01633 858 359