This is the last will and testament of me William John of the parish of Lanthewy in the County of Monmouth I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife all my real estate during her natural life and after her decease I give and devise all my real estate, lands & tenements unto my three sons Jervis, John & Samuel their heirs and assigns for ever as tenants in common and not as joint tenants subject to the payment of the following legacies (that is to say) I give unto my daughters Mary, Agnes, Alice, Ann, Elizabeth, Hannah and to my grandson Thomas Williams the sum of ten pounds apeice and I do hereby charge all my real estate with the payment of the said legacies. I give all my personal estate whatsoever unto my beloved wife Agnes and do appoint her sole executrix of this my will. In witness whereof I have hereunto putt my hand and seal the twenty fifth day of March 1776. The mark of William John
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said William John and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto. M Morgan; Ann Jones; Hen Morgan
9th October 1777. Agnes John, widow, the relict and sole executrix in the forgoing will named was sworn to the truth thereof and to the faithful performance of the same. Before me Benj Hall, Surrogate
Proved at Caerleon on the ninth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven before the Revd Benjamin Hall, Clerk, BD, the Chancellor’s Surrogate by Agnes John, widow, the relict and sole executrix in the foregoing will named who was first on the holy Evangelists personally sworn well and faithfully to execute the same, to exhibit an inventary &c and to render a just account of her administration thereof when thereunto lawfully &c
(Lanthewy Vach)
Transcribed from a photocopy by Dave Woolven, 2 Aspen Way, Malpas Park, Newport, South Wales
NP20 6LB Tel 01633 858 359 25 September 2000